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Vitamins B6 and B12 for Morning Sickness

Topic Overview

Vitamin B6

Studies suggest that taking vitamin B6 for morning sickness greatly improves nausea, though not vomiting, for many pregnant women. There has been no sign of harm to the fetus with vitamin B6 use.1

A typical dose of vitamin B6 for morning sickness is 25 mg, 3 times a day.

Talk to your health professional before taking vitamin B6 for morning sickness.

Note:

Intake of more than 100 mg a day of vitamin B6 can cause temporary nerve damage.

Vitamin B12

Studies suggest that taking vitamin B12 improves vomiting for many pregnant women. There has been no sign of harm to the fetus with vitamin B12 use. In fact, a combination of vitamin B12 and folic acid is thought to prevent neural tube defects in the growing fetus.1

In studies, the dose of vitamin B12 has ranged from 4 mcg a day to 25 mcg twice a day.1

Talk to your health professional before taking vitamin B12 for vomiting during pregnancy.

References

Citations

  1. Festin M (2007). Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, search date May 2008. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised November 10, 2010

Last Revised: November 10, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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