How Effective Is Vitamin B12 Supplementation In Mood Disorders
A lot of research has been done on how Vitamin B12 supplementation may benefit individuals with mood disorders. In one randomized controlled trial, researchers examined the effectiveness of Vitamin B12 supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder. These patients had low normal B12 levels and showed an inadequate response when previously treated with SSRIs.
There were 73 patients examined 39 were randomized to the control group, in which they were given SSRIs 34 were randomized to the experimental group, in which they were administered SSRIs and Vitamin B12 injections. Additionally, the patients in the experimental group had higher depression scores, as measured by the HAM-D score. The researchers determined that a 20% reduction in HAM-D score, or Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score, from the baseline score would be the primary outcome.
The results?
When the researchers followed-up with patients three months after treatment, 100% of the patients in the experimental group showed a 20% decrease in HAM-D score, compared to 69% of patients in the control group who showed a 20% decrease in HAM-D score. 44% of the patients in the experimental group showed a 50% decrease in HAM-D score only 5% of patients in the control group showed a 50% decrease in HAM-D score. The researchers believe that this indicates that combining Vitamin B12 supplementation with conventional antidepressants may be effective in decreasing depressive symptoms.
Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiencies
Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually the result of poor intestinal absorption due to GI surgeries and/or GI disorders, or inadequate dietary intake, such as vegetarian or vegan diet, which restrict animal products.
Vegans, people who do not eat any animal products including eggs and dairy, are more likely to develop B12 deficiency because of their restrictive diets. Ovo-lacto-vegetarians usually consume enough B12 through eggs and dairy products. Vegans obtain their B12 from dietary supplements and/or fortified foods, such as fortified breakfast cereals, fortified soy products, fortified energy bars, and Brewers yeast.
Occasionally, certain medication may increase its metabolism in the body.
Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate levels cause changes in homocysteine level, which might be related with depression, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Recently, some studies have reported deficiencies in vitamins B12 and folate in patients diagnosed with ASD and ADHD as well as beneficial effects of those vitamins for some of the associated ASD and ADHD symptoms.
B-12 deficiency causes symptoms affecting your nerves and your mind .
Reclaim Your Energy Now
You dont have to settle for a low-energy life. A Vitamin B12 Injection Near Me could be what you need to get back up to speed. Our expert medical staff will answer all your questions about treatment and help you decide if B12 injections are right for you. Get ready to feel your best. Contact us today at Optimal Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, to schedule an appointment.
Recommended Reading: Can I Get Disability For Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Vitamin B12 Supplement Dosage
The Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms .
If youve ever read B12 supplement labels, youve noticed that supplements often contain much more than this.
For example, heres the label of one that contains a whopping 83,330% of the RDA.
This high number seems more reasonable once you realize that only about 2% of the B12 in supplements is absorbed.
If your level is very low, your doctor may want to give you injectable vitamin B12 to increase it quickly, especially if you have pernicious anemia, permanent nerve damage, or ongoing digestive problems.
However, research has found that taking an oral supplement is as effective at raising blood levels of B12 as injections, so you may want to discuss trying mega-doses of oral B12 first.
An intriguing alternative for overcoming malabsorption is the use of a transdermal vitamin B12 patch.
According to one study the use of the B12 patch shows promise.
Vitamin B12 supplements are considered very safe and no tolerable upper intake level has been determined.
Doses as high as 2 mg per day do not cause any side effects.
Stressed To The T Take Vitamin B
Stress can be caused by external and internal forces. Stress can be much more than a busy schedule. Changes in blood sugar, magnesium and folate levels, and even the adrenal system can all increase stress levels in the body. These changes are often brought about not by of a firestorm at work, but because of a vitamin deficiency. Specifically, a vitamin B deficiency. Of the 13 essential vitamins, vitamin B is the most closely tied to stress. Manage the B-group levels, and the entire body and mind will benefit.
Recommended Reading: What To Say To Someone With Anxiety And Depression
Feeling Fatigued How A Vitamin B12 Injection Can Help You
Are you feeling unreasonably tired? Your vitamin B12 levels could be to blame. Low levels of this crucial nutrient can cause a slew of unwelcome symptoms that range from a nuisance to debilitating. However, supplementing with B12 tablets or drops wont provide optimal results. Dont let fatigue control your life. Instead, visit Optimal Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA for a vitamin B12 injection.
Best B12 Vitamins To Use As A Supplement
According to Dr. Edward Group, there are four types of B12 supplements.
Methylcobalamin or the most active B12 in the body, protects the cardiovascular or nervous systems.
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic version of the vitamin.
Hydroxocobalamin is created by bacteria, and is most often found if food sources of B12. It converts to methylcobalamin in the body.
Adenosylcobalamin is the least stable of all four forms.
Because vitamin B12 is often not absorbed from food sources, when taking the supplement, it is best to choose the most absorbable kind, which is methylcobalamin.
One natural, non-GMO B12 supplement is affordably sold by MegaFoods. If you are interested in a liquid kind instead, there is also vegan methylcobalamin B12 by the Garden of Life.
You May Like: Is Social Anxiety A Mental Illness
What Is Vitamin B
There are 13 essential vitamins the human body needs to function properly, 8 of which fall under the B-group category. Vitamin B is good for energy, metabolization, and stress. While each of the 8 has a specific function within the body, the overall functions are collaborative.
- Vitamin B1 helps regulates the bodys blood sugar levels. Depending on the individual, spikes or drops in blood sugar can lead to mental fog and anxiety.
- Vitamin B2 helps regulate the bodys processing of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates directly affect mood and energy.
- Vitamin B3 helps regulate the bodys serotonin levels. Serotonin directly affects mental stability and mood.
- Vitamin B5 helps regulate the bodys adrenal glands. Cortisol is the stress hormone regulated by the adrenal glands.
- Vitamin B6 helps regulate the bodys serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Both directly affect mental stability, mood, and the ability to cope with stress. Vitamin B6 also regulates the bodys magnesium levels, which is important for women with PMS.
- Vitamin B7 also helps regulate the bodys processing of carbohydrates.
- Vitamin B9 helps regulate the bodys folic acid levels. Deficiencies in vitamin B9 levels have been found in patients with depression. Folic acid is a natural antidepressant.
- Vitamin B12 also helps regulate the bodys folic acid levels. Vitamin B12 also promotes a healthy nervous system. The nervous system controls the adrenal glands, which in turn controls the bodys cortisol levels.
No : Vitamin B For Anxiety
Helpful vitamins for anxiety can be a number of B vitamins. The B vitamin deficiencies most often linked to panic attacks, anxiety and depression are B6, B9, and B12. Food sources of these B vitamins for anxiety include:
- B12: Wild salmon, halibut and shrimp, grass-fed beef , lamb, venison, eggs and yogurt.
- B6 : Chicken, turkey, tuna, shrimp, beef liver, cheese, beans, spinach, carrots, brown rice and sunflower seeds.
- B9 : Spinach and other green, leafy vegetables, asparagus, turnips, beets, Brussels sprouts, avocadoes, beans, beef liver, salmon, and orange juice.
How to take B vitamins for anxiety and stress:
B12:B12 can be given as an injection or as a nasal spray by an integrative physician. Doctors typically administer injections in doses of 1,000 micrograms. Initially, an injection cycle of eight to 10 administrations over the first two to three months is recommended, followed by a decrease in the frequency once you have achieved a therapeutic effect.
If you object to injections, oral supplementation with vitamin B12 is safe, efficient, and inexpensive. Most multivitamin pills contain 100 to 200 micrograms of the cyanocobalamin form of B12. This must be converted to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin before it can be used by the body.
Since B12 is so important yet hard for the body to absorb in the digestive track, many alert consumers take a sublingual B12 along with their regular B complex supplement.
Don’t Miss: How Do Know If You Have Anxiety
Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic Acid is one of the lesser known B-Vitamins to the average individual, as it is not commonly used as a natural health supplement. But it’s still an important one. It plays a role in the creation of the acetylcholine neurotransmitters, oxidizes fatty acids, and more. It also produces CoEnzyme-A.
It’s rare to be deficient in B5. The name itself translates almost literally to “from everywhere” because it’s found in nearly every type of food.
While Pantothenic Acid may help with a variety of unfortunate and painful conditions, it does not appear to play any role in anxiety or stress whatsoever.
Verdict: No known benefit
Natural Vitamins For Anxiety
Its a well-established, scientific fact that what you eat can dramatically impact your mood. Nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate mental health disorders, while a nutritionally complete diet can help alleviate symptoms. Certain natural vitamins or vitamins obtained by consuming whole foods are thought to positively affect anxiety. While most natural vitamins also exist in supplement form, theyre more effectively absorbed by the body when ingested by eating whole foods.
Some of the most common natural vitamins for anxiety include:
Read Also: Does Anxiety Make You Pee More
B12 Deficiency Risk Factors
Medical Conditions and Medications Increase Risk
Living a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle isnt the only risk factor for a B12 deficiency. Certain health conditions can also prevent your body from absorbing adequate amounts of the vitamin. Autoimmune diseases, Crohns, and HIV are among the medical problems that impair B12 absorption.
Medications like antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, and antacids can reduce how well your body absorbs B12. Harmful intestinal bacteria can also inhibit B12 from doing its job in your body.
Drinking Moderate Amounts of Alcohol or More Reduces B12 Levels
Even if you only drink a few beverages per week, you could be at risk for a B12 deficiency. Alcohol can prevent your body from storing the B12 you eat, and it could deplete your B12 storage levels. Heavy drinkers are at an even greater risk for a deficiency.
Stress Depletes B12 in the Body
We all know that stress isnt good for the body, but it can also rob you of essential B12. If you have recently experienced a period of extreme stress or you have chronic stress, you could be at risk for a B12 deficiency. Stress depletes stored levels in the body.
Age Factors Into B12 Absorption
Why Vitamin B12 Is Important
The human body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and carry out other functions. The average adult should get 2.4 micrograms a day. Like most vitamins, B12cant be made by the body. Instead, it must be gotten from food or supplements.
And therein lies the problem: Some people dont consume enough vitamin B12 to meet their needs, while others cant absorb enough, no matter how much they take in. As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, especially among older people.
Read Also: What To Do When You Have Separation Anxiety
Getting Help For Anxiety Disorders
If you or a loved one currently live with co-occurring substance use and anxiety disorders, professional help is available at specialized treatment centers like The Recovery Village. With locations across the country and a multifaceted approach to mental health care that includes nutritional therapy, The Recovery Village can provide hope and healing to individuals with co-occurring substance use and anxiety disorders. If youre ready to take the first step toward treatment, reach out to a representative today.
Are B12 Injections Right For Me
Most anyone who wants a Vitamin B12 Injection Consent Form qualifies for treatment. Children, adults, and the elderly are usually eligible for treatment. Anyone who seeks optimal health and general wellness could benefit from receiving B12 supplement injections.
If you have a condition that prevents you from absorbing B12, you are a good candidate for receiving a B12 injection. Other ideal candidates include people with:
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Diseases of aging
We encourage certain individuals in higher-risk categories to visit us for the most effective B12 supplementation method, including:
- Adults over 50
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Shortness Of Breath Anxiety
How Might It Work
The evidence suggests B12 could improve our mental health. But how might it do this? Or, to use the technical term, what might be the mechanism of action ?
The research from McGill1 provides a possible explanation:
“In most, but not all, studies on patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, folate deficiency was associated with low levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid . In one study, supplementation with folate restored CSF 5-HIAA levels to normal.”
If B12 is vital to regulating our levels of serotonin, and serotonin is key to a healthy brain, this could provide an explanation.
How Does Vitamin B12 Help Adhd Brain
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin with key role in normal functioning of the brain, nervous system, and formation of blood cells. It is involves in DNA synthesis and regulation, and also fatty acid synthesis and energy production.
B12 helps with ADHD symptoms through its involvement in many of the brain functions, especially in the production and maintenance of the myelin sheath , essential fatty acid metabolism and energy production. The myelin sheath is like the plastic casing on electrical wires. These myelin sheath serve the same purpose.
The effect of vitamin B12 on mood is not yet fully understood. However, this vitamin plays a vital role in synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood.
Therefore, vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to decreased serotonin production, which may cause a depressed mood.
Supplement with methylcobalamine works in several mechanism.
Methylcobalamin is a cofactor of methionine synthase, which catalyzes the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Our body can also obtain methionine through diet. Our body needs methionine to make S-adenosyl-methionine , which is needed for methylation of myelin sheath phospholipids. Methylation is the transfer of the methyl group. Methycobalamin provides the methyl group for the transfer. That is how methylcobalamin is involved here.
Read Also: How To Help My Teenager With Anxiety