Like folic acid, low levels of Vitamin B12 may also be (in part) responsible for triggering manic states. As mentioned previously, vitamin B12 also plays a role in the creation of many of the mood-regulating brain chemicals (GABA, Serotonin, Dopamine, and others).
Cases of neuropsychiatry disorders due to its deficiency are more common in elderly patients with prevalence of 10–20%. The most common psychiatry symptoms reported in the literature associated with vitamin B12 deficiency was depression, mania, psychotic symptoms, cognitive impairment and delirium.
Homocysteine levels rise in manic episode in bipolar disorder (Chiarani et al., 2013). Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid reduce homocysteine levels in people with bipolar disorder. Vitamin B6 may also improve cognitive symptoms (Malouf & Evans, 2003; Selhub, 2002).
Vitamin B12
However, the vitamin — known for its energy-boosting benefits to those deficient in it — might be helpful if bipolar disorder depression has you feeling fatigued. It's water soluble, which means when your body has had enough of it for the day, you'll see that tell-tale neon yellow when you pee.
Some of the negative side effects of vitamin B overdose include mood swings, restlessness, depression, and panic attacks. Mood swings can worsen in people who suffer from paranoia, confusion, or mental fogginess; due to the high doses of vitamin B complex.
An overdose of Vitamin B complex usually occurs from the excessive consumption of supplements, The complications that one notices in case of an overdose are skin rashes, insomnia, gastrointestinal problem, Tingling and numbness, Extreme mood swings, and abnormal blood pressure levels.
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can result in hematological changes, neurological and psychiatric problems, which can manifest as irritability, changes in personality, depression, and memory loss [9]. It is also known to worsen depression by excitotoxic reactions caused by the accumulation of homocysteine [10].
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.
They are generally considered safe, with little to no side-effects. People with bipolar disorder who are taking lithium (a common standard treatment for this disorder) or are experiencing a manic episode often have low levels of Folic Acid. Supplementing with this vitamin seems to enhance the effects of lithium.
Vitamin B1 (aka thiamin) - many use vitamin B1 to manage the irritability and anxiety associated with bipolar disorder. Additionally, there are some newer studies that indicate the use of vitamin B1 is helpful in alleviating depressive symptoms.
Other supplements that can potentially cause mania include DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine), St. John's Wort, and rhodiola rosea. Herbs and natural dietary supplements have not been tested or regulated by the FDA. So it's important to use caution when taking them.
These are some possible causes of hypomania or mania: High levels of stress. Changes in sleep patterns or lack of sleep. Using recreational drugs or alcohol.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Manifested as Mania: A Case Report
Sir: Multiple psychiatric symptoms may precede pernicious anemia.
Excess B12 is either stored in the liver, present in the blood without any adverse effects, or excreted. There are no studies investigating the potential clinical effects of high B12 because, in general, there are no known adverse effects caused by elevated B12.
B12 acts as a cofactor in synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, thus B12 deficiency affects mood, emotions and sleeping and can lead to psychiatric disorders.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can have distressing neuropsychiatric symptoms. It can have an etiological role in clinical presentations like depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia, and delirium, requiring screening of at-risk populations.
B12 injections may contribute to low potassium levels in your body. Though rare, this reaction can cause muscle cramping, extreme fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat.
B12 supplements are usually safe. For adults, doctors recommend 2.4 micrograms a day. If you take more than what you need, your body passes the rest out through your pee. Still, high doses could have some side effects, like dizziness, headache, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
B complex contains vitamin B6, and an overdose of this vitamin (200 mg or more per day) can lead to a loss of feeling in the arms and legs. This is usually temporary and will go away once you stop taking the vitamin, but in some cases the effect can be permanent.
Increase Fluids
Since B vitamins are water-soluble, adding more fluid to your body helps remove them before they undergo absorption. Your health care provider may suggest consuming a large quantity of water in a short amount of time to flush excessive B vitamins out of your bloodstream.