Vitamin B6 and Depression: Could a Daily Supplement Help Improve Mood?
A new study from researchers at the University of Reading has sparked interest in the possible role of vitamin B6 in supporting mental health. The research suggests that a high dose of vitamin B6 taken daily for one month may reduce symptoms of depression in people who were already experiencing them.
The findings are encouraging, but they do not mean that vitamin B6 is a proven replacement for antidepressants, therapy or professional mental health care. More research is needed before high-dose vitamin B6 can be considered a treatment for depression.
What did the vitamin B6 study find?
The research involved 268 participants who were randomly allocated to receive either vitamin B6, vitamin B12 or a placebo for four weeks. The study was designed as a randomised controlled trial, which means researchers compared the effects of the different treatments under controlled conditions.
Participants completed questionnaires designed to assess symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and stress.
According to the University of Reading, people who had mild or more severe depressive symptoms when the study began experienced a substantial reduction in their symptoms after taking vitamin B6 for a month.
The improvement was greater than that seen in the placebo group and the group taking vitamin B12.
The researchers described the results as promising and said larger clinical trials are now needed to determine whether the findings can be reproduced in people diagnosed with depression.
The study was published in the journal Depression and Anxiety in 2026.
Why might vitamin B6 affect mood?
Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient that the body uses for several important functions. It helps the body process nutrients and contributes to the formation of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells.
Researchers are also interested in B6 because it is involved in producing chemical messengers in the brain.
These include serotonin and GABA, substances involved in regulating mood and nervous system activity.
The University of Reading researchers suggest that increased production of these neurotransmitters could help explain why the participants taking high dose B6 experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms.
However, this is still a proposed explanation rather than proof that vitamin B6 directly treats depression.
The study used a much higher dose than normal
One of the most important details is the amount of vitamin B6 used in the research.
Participants taking the supplement received 100mg of vitamin B6 every day.
That is considerably higher than the amount normally required from the diet.
The NHS says adults aged 19 to 64 generally need around 1.4mg of vitamin B6 per day for men and 1.2mg for women. Most people should be able to obtain enough from a balanced diet.
Vitamin B6 is naturally present in foods including poultry, fish, eggs, oats, bananas, peanuts and some fortified cereals.
This means that taking a high dose supplement is very different from simply eating foods that naturally contain vitamin B6.
Could you take 100mg of B6 yourself?
This is where caution is particularly important.
The study investigated 100mg per day under research conditions, but that does not mean everyone should start taking the same amount.
In fact, the NHS currently advises adults not to take more than 10mg of vitamin B6 per day from supplements unless advised to do so by a doctor. It also warns that excessive intake can cause problems affecting the nervous system.
Symptoms associated with too much vitamin B6 can include numbness, tingling or reduced sensation in the hands and feet. In some circumstances, nerve damage can become long lasting.
The NHS also notes that the safety of doses between 10mg and 200mg is unclear, particularly regarding how long they can be taken safely.
Therefore, the study should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy a 100mg supplement and take it every day without medical advice.
Is vitamin B6 a treatment for depression?
Not yet.
The new research provides evidence that vitamin B6 deserves further investigation, but it was a relatively small study and lasted only one month.
The researchers themselves have called for larger clinical trials involving people with depression.
Another important point is that the participants were not necessarily representative of everyone living with depression. The University of Reading notes that the study sample was mostly female, meaning further research is needed to establish whether the findings apply equally to men and different groups of patients.
A larger trial could also help researchers understand the appropriate dose, how long treatment might need to continue, which patients might benefit and whether vitamin B6 could work alongside existing treatments.
Until those questions are answered, vitamin B6 should be viewed as an area of promising research rather than an established depression treatment.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression can affect both mental and physical wellbeing.
Common symptoms may include persistent sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, loss of interest in activities, difficulty making decisions, anxiety, tiredness and changes in sleep or appetite.
Some people may also experience physical symptoms such as unexplained aches and pains, reduced energy or changes in sex drive.
More serious symptoms can include thoughts about death, suicide or self-harm.
Anyone experiencing persistent or severe symptoms should speak to a healthcare professional rather than attempting to manage depression with supplements alone.
The NHS provides further information about depression, its symptoms and available support.
Why the research matters
The interest in vitamin B6 comes at a time when depression remains a significant public health concern.
Recent Office for National Statistics data found that 18 percent of adults aged 16 and over reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms in April 2025. The rate was higher among younger adults, reaching 26 percent among people aged 16 to 29.
This highlights why researchers continue to investigate additional approaches that could potentially complement existing treatments.
Nutritional research is particularly interesting because vitamins and minerals are essential for normal brain and body function. However, an important distinction must be made between correcting a deficiency and taking very large doses in an attempt to treat a medical condition.
More is not necessarily better when it comes to supplements.
The bottom line
The latest vitamin B6 research offers an interesting possibility: a high dose of the vitamin was associated with fewer depressive symptoms among participants experiencing depression during a four-week trial.
However, the evidence is still early.
The study does not establish vitamin B6 as a replacement for antidepressants, psychological therapy or other forms of professional care. It also used a dose far above normal dietary requirements, and UK health guidance warns against taking high doses of vitamin B6 without medical advice.
For now, the safest approach is to maintain a balanced diet and speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking high-dose supplements.
The findings are promising enough to justify further research, but they should not be taken as a reason to self-treat depression with vitamin B6.
Sources
- University of Reading, 23 August 2026.
- NHS, Vitamins and minerals: B vitamins and folic acid.
- Office for National Statistics, Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain, depressive symptoms data.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat or prevent depression or any other health condition. Do not begin taking high-dose vitamin B6 without speaking to a qualified healthcare professional. If you are experiencing depression, particularly thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek professional medical support promptly.