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.
Some of the best vitamins for depression include vitamin D, iron, B9 (folate), calcium, vitamin C, and vitamins B12 and B3. Keep reading to learn more about vitamins that help with depression so you can make informed decisions about how best to treat your symptoms of depression.
Vitamins B9 and B12 are both thought to treat symptoms of anxiety. Folic acid has many uses in the body, and B9 deficiency has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. When taken in conjunction with B12, these B super-vitamins help metabolize serotonin, which is important for mood regulation.
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.
Effects of Vitamin B12 on Depressive Symptoms
Higher intakes of both Vitamins B12 and B6 reduced depressive symptoms over time. Vitamin B12 levels were reported to be correlated with melancholic depressive symptoms more than non-melancholic.
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.
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.
Vitamin B12 - Cobalamin
Vitamin B12 plays a role in the development of anemia, nerve disorders, and cognitive deficits. Its status as one of the B vitamins that affects the brain and nerves the most has made it a popular choice of supplements for those trying to treat their anxiety with Vitamin B.
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.
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.
The association between magnesium and depression has been observed in several studies. Some studies have found promising effects of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression. A 2017 study found that magnesium supplements improved symptoms of depression in adults.
Try walking, playing a team sport or pumping iron at the gym. Diet also plays an important role in maintaining emotional health. Be sure to eat a diet rich in whole grains, lean meats, vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts. Interacting with others can also help boost a person's mood.
Doctors often start by prescribing an SSRI. These drugs are considered safer and generally cause fewer bothersome side effects than other types of antidepressants. SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) and vilazodone (Viibryd).
B vitamins are known for their mood-altering properties. They can help fight fatigue, improve your memory, and allow you to function all-around with more clarity. Deficiencies in B vitamins, including Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), and B12, can lead to depression, anxiety, fearfulness, and irritability.
In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the high-dose vitamin B6 supplementation could influence anxiety and observed that the vitamin also increased surrounding suppression of visual contrast detection.
When it comes to the issue of vitamin B12 vs B complex, both types of vitamins are crucial. If you're lacking B12, consume more of it via supplements or food. If you're lacking vitamin B in general, consider B complex vitamins instead. Overall, both vitamins are essential nutrients.
Which is better to take: B6 or B12? Neither vitamin is better than the other—they're both equally essential to your well-being. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you need to consume the correct amount of all vitamins and micronutrients.
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.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can indeed lead to weight gain. But the weight gain is not a direct result of the deficiency. Instead, vitamin B12 deficiency causes lethargy or lack of energy, and in turn, inactivity causes weight gain.
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.
Even if you don't develop anemia, B12 deficiency can cause confusion, memory troubles and depression. To avoid brain fog from vitamin B12 deficiency, doctors recommend that adults get around 2.4 micrograms per day.
Several different B vitamins (including B6, B9, and B12) are believed to be essential for serotonin production and release.
Some studies have noted a link between B12 deficiency and abnormal estrogen levels that may interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg. Dr. Michael Bennett describes a connection linking B12 deficiency with not only a failure to get pregnant but also a failure to successfully carry a baby full-term.