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 Experts do not yet understand how vitamin B6 affects nausea.2
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
Festin M (2007). Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy in early pregnancy, search date September 2006. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Niebyl JR, Goodwin TM (2002). Overview of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy with an emphasis on vitamins and ginger. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 186(5, Suppl): S253–S255.
Credits
| Author | Sandy Jocoy, RN |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2008 |
