Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) contributes to the development of the central nervous system and may influence brain development and cognitive function. It may also prevent dental caries and protect the placental vascular bed.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of vitamin B6 supplementation during pregnancy and labour.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials of pyridoxine administration compared to a control group.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Trial quality was assessed and data were extracted by two reviewers.

MAIN RESULTS

One trial involving 371 women was included. Pyridoxine supplementation either as oral capsules (odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0. 41 to 0.95) or lozenges (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0. 22-0.51) was associated with decreased incidence of dental decay in pregnant women.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

There is not enough evidence to evaluate pyridoxine supplementation during pregnancy, although the results of one trial suggest that it may have a beneficial effect on dental decay.