Ginger vs vitamin B6 for pregnancy nausea: how do they compare?

In a 2004 randomized trial of 291 pregnant women, ginger and vitamin B6 improved nausea to a similar degree over three weeks. Ginger was found equivalent to vitamin B6, and the evidence for both is limited. Both are worth discussing with your provider, who can help you choose based on your symptoms and the supplements you already take.

What did the head-to-head trial find?

Researchers in Australia assigned 291 pregnant women to take either ginger or vitamin B6 for three weeks. The trial in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that both groups improved, and ginger was equivalent to vitamin B6 in nausea, retching, and vomiting. Neither group reported major side effects.

The authors were careful about what the results mean. They noted that firm evidence on the safety of ginger in pregnancy is essential and called for more research.

How does the wider evidence compare?

For ginger, a 2014 systematic review of 12 trials found improved nausea symptoms compared with placebo. The difference in vomiting episodes was not statistically significant, and the authors rated the overall evidence as low in quality.

For vitamin B6, the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements notes that ACOG recommends vitamin B6 supplements under a doctor's care for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It also states that daily upper limits include vitamin B6 from all sources, including food, beverages, and supplements. This is general guidance about vitamin B6, not a statement about any Pink Stork product.

Why do some products combine ginger and vitamin B6?

Because both nutrients have been studied for pregnancy nausea, some formulas include both. Nausea Sweets, formulated with vitamin B6 for digestive comfort, are organic lozenges made with ginger or peppermint oil. Ginger Mango and Ginger Raspberry use organic ginger plus vitamin B6, and Sweet Peppermint uses organic peppermint oil plus vitamin B6, to help ease occasional upset stomach and morning sickness.†

The studies above tested ginger and vitamin B6 separately, and none tested Nausea Sweets or any combined product. The pairing is a formulation choice, not a proven advantage. Nausea Sweets are USDA Organic and third-party tested.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition.

How do you keep track of your total vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 shows up in more places than most people expect. Many prenatal vitamins contain it, and so can lozenges, B-complex products, and other supplements. Total Prenatal, designed for preconception through breastfeeding, includes vitamin B6 as pyridoxal-5-phosphate, which supports healthy fetal brain development and helps maintain a steady mood during pregnancy.†

The simplest step is to write down every supplement you take and bring the list to your next visit. Your provider can add up your total vitamin B6 from all sources and tell you whether the combination makes sense.

"It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. Have your provider work with you."

— Dr. Jummy Amuwo, Pharm.D., MPH, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacist and Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist

How should you decide between them?

There is no single right answer, and the choice often comes down to your symptoms, your preferences, and your provider's advice. These questions can guide the conversation:

• Which option does your provider recommend for your symptoms and health history?
• Which format fits your day: capsules, tea, or a lozenge you can keep in a bag?
• Do certain scents or flavors bother you? ACOG notes that hormonal changes can heighten your sense of smell.
• How much vitamin B6 are you already getting from your prenatal and other products?

If you are still weighing ginger on its own, our guide on whether ginger helps with morning sickness covers the research in more detail. If your nausea lasts all day, see why morning sickness lasts all day. To prepare for your appointment, use our 10 questions to ask your OB about morning sickness.

For a format that fits in a bag or desk drawer, our USDA organic lozenges for occasional upset stomach are individually wrapped for discreet use.†

"Every Pink Stork product is not only backed by science, it's also covered in prayer. I want every mom to understand what the research does and does not say, so she can make her choices with confidence and with her provider."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

Pink Stork is woman-founded and woman-led, and Total Prenatal is third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs. If you want a discreet option to discuss with your provider, consider Pink Stork Nausea Sweets, a discreet on-the-go nausea support.†

Frequently asked questions

Is ginger or vitamin B6 more effective for morning sickness?

In a 2004 randomized trial of 291 women, ginger was equivalent to vitamin B6 in nausea, retching, and vomiting. Neither was shown to be clearly better.

Can you take ginger and vitamin B6 together?

The studies tested them separately, so they do not answer that question. Ask your provider, and review your total vitamin B6 from all sources.

Does vitamin B6 have an upper limit?

Yes. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements lists daily upper limits that count vitamin B6 from food, beverages, and supplements combined.

Do prenatal vitamins contain vitamin B6?

Many do, including Total Prenatal. Check the label and tell your provider about every supplement you take.

Is ginger safe to use in pregnancy?

A 2014 review did not find a significant risk of side effects such as heartburn or drowsiness, but the authors noted limited evidence. Ask your provider before using ginger in any form.

How long does morning sickness usually last?

ACOG says it usually starts before 9 weeks and goes away by 14 weeks for most women. It can last longer for some.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.