B vitamins are important to your brain health. Vitamins B-12 and B-6 are particularly significant.
They help produce and control the chemicals that influence mood and other brain functions. Indeed, low levels of these vitamins are linked to depression.
To diagnose a vitamin B deficiency, your doctor may draw a blood sample for testing.
If your levels are low, you can increase your vitamin B through your diet. B-rich foods include meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
If your vitamin B levels are really low or your doctor wants to increase them quickly, they may suggest a daily vitamin B supplement. In cases of severe deficiency, your doctor may recommend a B-12 shot.
Boosting vitamin B levels may help end depression symptoms. However, studies of vitamin B have mixed results.
For example, a 2005 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that a combination of vitamin B-12 and folic acid (another type of vitamin B) reduced depression symptoms.
However, other research, such as a 2005 study in Family Practice, cast doubt on the benefits of vitamin B. More research is needed before most doctors will support vitamin B supplements as an alternative to traditional antidepressants.
Most multivitamins contain sufficient amounts of the most important B vitamins. If you begin using a daily multivitamin, you may not need additional supplementation. However, you can buy supplements that contain only vitamin B.
Most vitamin B supplements are made from manufactured bacteria. The bacteria synthesize the vitamin, which is then put into tablets or capsules.
Doses for depression range between 1 and 25 micrograms per day. The NIH recommends that adults over the age of 14 get 2.4 micrograms per day. Higher doses may be both safe and effective.
However, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor before you begin using vitamin B in large doses.
Vitamin B supplements are generally handled well, if taken appropriately. Side effects include diarrhea, blood clots, and itching. These are rare, however.
As with many alternative treatments, vitamin B supplements can interfere with other medications and treatments. Discuss taking vitamin B with your doctor before you begin using it. They will consider possible interactions and changes that may be necessary.
