NutriStack
Combined Oral Contraceptive and Vitamin B6, a synergy.
Combined oral contraceptives lower plasma pyridoxal-5-phosphate (active vitamin B6) and can contribute to low mood, irritability, and nausea. In a controlled trial, B6 50 mg/day reduced these side effects in Cambodian women using oral contraception.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
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At a glance
- Substances
- Combined Oral Contraceptive and Vitamin B6
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Moderate evidence
Synergy
What is happening. Combined oral contraceptives lower plasma pyridoxal-5-phosphate (active vitamin B6) and can contribute to low mood, irritability, and nausea. In a controlled trial, B6 50 mg/day reduced these side effects in Cambodian women using oral contraception.
Mechanism. Ethinyl estradiol induces hepatic enzymes that increase tryptophan catabolism and B6 utilization, lowering pyridoxal-5-phosphate. B6 is also a cofactor for serotonin and dopamine synthesis, partly explaining mood effects.
Recommendation. Consider a daily B6 supplement (25-50 mg as pyridoxine or P5P) while on combined oral contraception, particularly if you experience low mood, irritability, or nausea. Take with or without food, at any time of day.
Sources (2)
- Var C, Keller S, Tung R, Freeland D, Bazzano AN. Supplementation with vitamin B6 reduces side effects in Cambodian women using oral contraception. Nutrients. 2014;6(9):3353-62. PMID 25163030
- Palmery M, Saraceno A, Vaiarelli A, Carlomagno G. Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2013;17(13):1804-13. PMID 23852908
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Combined Oral Contraceptive and Vitamin B6 are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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