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. Psychiatric manifestations of B12 deficiency are varied.
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, has special importance as a precursor of serotonin and tryptophan and can also play a role in behavior and mood.
Vitamin B12 is considered an important brain and nervous system micronutrient and is often used for anxiety. It helps to ensure normal function for your nerves, which can help combat physical symptoms of anxiety.
A lack of B12 can mess with your mental health and eventually can lead to depression or anxiety. One theory why: Low B12 may affect the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, the same brain chemicals impacted in depression that's not related to B12.
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.
Effects of Vitamin B12 on Depressive Symptoms
Higher intakes of both Vitamins B12 and B6 reduced depressive symptoms over time.
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.
When Vitamin B12 and folate supplements are combined, they enhance the production of serotonin and dopamine. The two vitamins both play important roles in regulating and maintaining a good mental health state. It is important to note that older people are more susceptible to deficiency of vitamin B12.
Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol-lowering medications deplete serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels. Hormone changes cause low levels of serotonin and neurotransmitter imbalances.
Magnesium works as an important co-factor required for conversion of tryptophan (from proteins we get from food) to serotonin and melatonin, both of which help in falling asleep."
Very high daily doses of vitamin B12, ranging between 1000 and 2000 mcg, may effectively restore B12 levels within the body and positively impact depression symptoms. Even doses as low as 100 mcg are potent enough to positively impact cognition in adults with depressive symptoms.
With respect to mood, the serotonergic pathway would predict that, in people who have insufficient levels of vitamin D, mood may improve when serum 25(OH)D increases as this may increase the availability of serotonin in the brain via TPH2 expression [6].
According to the study's findings, the B12 group experienced a minor improvement in anxiety and depression when compared to the placebo group. Above all, Vitamin B6 produced a statistically significant difference.
B12 is a key nutrient for nervous system health. It is important for producing serotonin and dopamine, which are mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. As a result, vitamin B12 can help to prevent and treat depression and anxiety. It can improve focus and memory as well.
ATP is a molecule that provides cells with the energy they need to power the body [3]. This is where vitamin B12 comes in. Vitamin B12 is instrumental in helping the cells of the body perform the necessary chemical reactions that enable them to metabolize the glucose molecules they need to make ATP energy.
But does B12 help with anxiety? Several studies have shown that people experiencing anxiety have lower vitamin B12 levels. One 2000 study found that men with vitamin B12 deficiency who recently lost a loved one reported higher levels of anxiety and depression (2).
Growing evidence supports the importance of B12 with regard to hormone balance, in that many of the disorders associated with a hormone imbalance are also associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency. Without adequate B12, overall health is compromised in fundamental ways.
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).
Thus if you're otherwise healthy but still continue to feel tired after taking a B-12 supplement, it could be a sign of a mild allergic reaction. If a rash, difficulty breathing or swelling coincides with taking your dose of B-12, get to the doctor right away.
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.