Current Pediatric Research

Background: Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the physiologic development and function of the central nervous system. Pyridoxal phosphate, the activated form of vitamin B6, acts as a coenzyme in approximately 100 reactions of human metabolism. Objective: The aim of this review is to evaluate the effect of vitamin B6 supplementation during pregnancy, lactation and the first 6 months of life on the fetus, newborn and infant with the aim of verifying the effects of pyridoxine supplementation on fetuses and neonates and whether it could positively influence fetal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed as the medical database source. We selected original research studies, systematic reviews, review articles and case reports. We selected only articles in the English language. No limit was imposed on the year of publication of the studies. Results: We included 34 publications published between 1975 and 2015, 19 concerning pyridoxine supplementation during pregnancy, 15 concerning pyridoxine supplementation during lactation. We did not find any studies concerning pyridoxine supplementation directly to neonates. Conclusion: The beneficial effects of pyridoxine supplementation for pregnant and breastfeeding women have been widely demonstrated. We are convinced that providing pyridoxine supplementation directly to neonates could have a favorable effect on their neurological development.

Author(s): Raffaele Falsaperla, Marco Andrea Nicola Saporito, Valeria Di Stefano, Laura Mauceri, Enrica Quattrocchi, Antonio Musolino, Giovanni Corsello

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