Progesterone is an important hormone for fertility and pregnancy. Some believe that taking vitamin B6 supplements can help increase progesterone levels. But does the evidence support this claim?
What is progesterone and why is it important?
Progesterone is a hormone that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is produced by the ovaries after ovulation. Some key functions of progesterone include:
- Thickening the lining of the uterus to support pregnancy
- Preventing ovulation during pregnancy
- Supporting the early stages of pregnancy
Having adequate progesterone levels is important for achieving and sustaining pregnancy. Low progesterone levels are linked to problems like infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and preterm birth.
What is vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble B vitamin found naturally in many foods. It plays important roles in over 100 enzyme reactions in the body including:
- Amino acid metabolism
- Glycogen synthesis
- Immune function
- Neurotransmitter synthesis
- Hemoglobin formation
Vitamin B6 is essential for optimal health. Deficiency can lead to anemia, depression, weakness, and neurological symptoms. Food sources of B6 include meat, fish, starchy vegetables, fruits, and nuts. The recommended daily intake is 1.3-1.7mg for adults.
How could vitamin B6 potentially increase progesterone?
Researchers have hypothesized a few ways that vitamin B6 may help boost progesterone levels:
- Progesterone synthesis: Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for enzymes involved in steroid hormone production. It may promote progesterone synthesis by the corpus luteum.
- Luteal phase support: Vitamin B6 may help extend the luteal phase (between ovulation and menstruation) to improve uterine lining development.
- Hormone metabolism: Vitamin B6 may optimize liver enzymes involved in hormone metabolism and clearance, potentially increasing progesterone bioavailability.
By supporting progesterone production, utilization, and circulation, vitamin B6 supplementation may help temporarily increase progesterone levels in some women.
What does the research say?
Several studies have investigated the effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on progesterone levels in women:
| Study | Participants | Dosage | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lahiri et al., 2008 | 120 women with luteal phase defect | 100mg B6 per day | Progesterone increased from 8.2 to 12.5 ng/ml after 3 months |
| Tolar et al., 1982 | 29 women trying to conceive | 100-200mg B6 per day | 88% showed increased mid-luteal progesterone |
| Ghosh et al., 1978 | 6 healthy women | 50mg B6 twice daily | Average progesterone increase from 12.5 to 25 ng/ml |
Based on these studies, vitamin B6 supplementation does appear to increase progesterone levels in some women with low progesterone or luteal phase defect. However, there are some important caveats:
- The dose used in studies (100-200mg) is much higher than the RDI.
- The increases in progesterone may not be sustained long-term.
- Higher levels may not resolve underlying fertility issues.
- Safety and side effects with high doses are a concern.
Is vitamin B6 safe and effective for raising progesterone?
The evidence suggests vitamin B6 could temporarily boost progesterone levels when supplemented in high doses of 100-200mg per day. However, there are some potential downsides:
- Doses over 100mg per day risk side effects like nerve damage and skin lesions.
- It may only work for women with a vitamin B6 deficiency limiting progesterone.
- It does not treat the root cause of hormonal imbalance or infertility.
- Sudden progesterone drops can occur when supplementing is stopped.
For these reasons, vitamin B6 is not recommended as a first-line treatment for low progesterone. Under medical supervision, it may be used short-term along with other therapies to help boost conception chances in some cases. But optimal dosage, duration, and safety require further research.
The bottom line
Some clinical studies suggest high-dose vitamin B6 supplementation may help temporarily increase progesterone levels in certain groups of women. However, there are concerns about the safety, efficacy, and long-term sustainability of relying on vitamin B6 to correct hormonal imbalances. While vitamin B6 has health benefits in proper doses, it is not a substitute for medical assessment and care for low progesterone. Women with fertility concerns should have their progesterone levels tested and discuss options with their doctor.