Vitamin B12 and depression

Physicians have known for a long time that individuals who have low levels of Vitamin B 12 develop many problems in their body, including depression. Vitamin B12 and related health supplements like folate are essential for function of neurochemicals in the brain. Many of minerals and vitamins act as co-factors and help in the synthesis of vital neurotransmitters in the brain.

However, the problem is that the brain is too complex. There are millions of nerves in the brain, each intricately linked and all working in harmony. Where B12 fits into this grand picture has remained a mystery. Besides B12, many other minerals have been linked to depression include, cooper, zinc, selenium and iron.

The most common cause of B12 deficiency is poor nutrition. One also has to remember that once depression sets in, the individual will further worsen the problem by not eating healthy. Individuals who develop depression often show little interest in food and tend to eat unhealthy foods thus worsening the cycle of depression.

While there has been a lot of hype about Vitamin B12 as a cure for depression, one should know that replenishing the diet with this vitamin does not always reverse the depression. However, that does not mean one should not eat healthy. All individuals who are depressed should eat a well balanced diet that contains all essential minerals, and vitamins including B 12. There is absolutely no point in buying vitamins from a health store. Vitamin B12 is found in ample amounts in many foods like breakfast cereals, meat, poultry, milk, and seafood.

For those who are on a vegetarian diet an over the age of 50, perhaps obtaining extra vitamins supplements may help.

All patients with depression should ensure that the health care professional has addressed any underlying medical disorder that can make your depression worse. Some of the common conditions that affect depression include under activity of the thyroid (hypothyroid) vitamins deficiencies and pernicious anemia. Once these conditions are treated, the depression may improve.