High-dose vitamin B6 to shift brain excitation toward inhibition in people with depression and anxiety
An EEG Study to Investigate the Effect of High-dose Vitamin B6 Supplementation on Neural Activity in Relation to Depression and Anxiety Symptoms.
This test tries high-dose vitamin B6 supplements in adults aged 18–40 with mild to moderate depression or anxiety to see if it shifts brain activity toward inhibition and reduces symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 41 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Reading Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Reading, England) |
| Trial ID | NCT07469462 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with mild to moderate depression or anxiety are randomized to receive either high-dose pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (active vitamin B6) or a placebo, with investigators comparing groups. Neural excitation/inhibition balance is measured using electroencephalography (EEG) before and after the intervention, and blood plasma B6 is measured at baseline to explore whether initial levels predict response. Secondary outcomes include changes in self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms and objective hand grip strength. The design is placebo-controlled and conducted at the University of Reading with in-person visits for assessments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 with mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety, normal or corrected vision, not pregnant, not taking >2 mg/day vitamin B6 supplements or GABA-agonist medications, and without epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, recent concussion, or contraindicated antibiotics.
Not a fit: People with severe depression or anxiety, those already taking significant vitamin B6 or GABAergic medications, or those with epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, recent brain injury, or who cannot attend in-person visits are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a low-cost, widely accessible supplement strategy to reduce neural over-excitation and improve depression and anxiety symptoms for some patients.
How similar studies have performed: Small clinical and preclinical studies have suggested vitamin B6 can influence GABAergic function and muscle performance, but evidence that high-dose B6 shifts EEG excitation/inhibition balance and improves mood in adults remains preliminary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Over 18 years of age and under 41 * Mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression * Normal or corrected to normal vision Exclusion Criteria: * not taking daily dietary supplement containing \>2 mg Vitamin B6 * not taking medication that is a GABA agaonist (our team will check this with you) * not be pregnant * no medical history of epilepsy * no medical history of peripheral neuropathy * not taking the antibiotic Seromycin (prescribed for tuberclosis or urinary tract infection) * no history of brain injury or recent concussion
Where this trial is running
Reading, England
- Harry Pitt Building — Reading, England, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David T Field — University of Reading
- Study coordinator: Alex Cameron
- Email: a.cameron@pgr.reading.ac.uk
- Phone: 0118 378 6803
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.