Efficacy of Vitamin B6 on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Postpartum depression is a common and disabling disorder. A low level of vitamin B6 might theoretically causes symptoms of depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin B6 on Pregnancy outcomes among the mothers at risk for postpartum depression during third trimester.

Methods: A single blind randomized clinical trial was conducted via using B6 and placebo on 86 at risk postpartum depression pregnant subjects at six selected health center in Isfahan, Iran with a simple random sampling method (Feb-July, 2016). The main inclusion criteria in this study was at least a risk factor of postpartum depression; evaluated by Hospital Anxiety-Depressive Scale, Social Support Appraisals Scale, Holmes and Rahe Life Change and Stress Evaluation Questioner. Data was analyzed applying SPSS20 and statistical tests (chi-square, t-test, Mann-Whitney, Fisher’s exact test).

Results: In case group after intervention mean depression score was (4.2±2.7) significantly lower than before intervention (10.4±1.4) (p<0/001) Control group mean depression score was no significant difference after (10.4±3.4) and before intervention (9.3±4.2) (p= 0.10).

Mean maternal weight gain (P=0.32), delivery type (P=0.56), infant birth weight (P=0.37), gestational age (P=0.31) were not significant difference between two groups.

Conclusion: Vitamin B6 may have a positive effect to decreasing of postpartum depression score, and no effects on another pregnancy outcome.