Deficiency of dietary origin affects mainly people following vegetarian and vegan diets. But there are also other conditions affecting your body that can prevent you from absorbing vitamin B12 properly. There are various symptoms of B12 deficiency including depression.
A possible explanation is the effect of B12 on serotonin in your brain.
Serotonin is known as “the happy chemical” that helps to regulate your mood.
It is thought to also impact happiness and anxiety.
And low levels of this chemical are linked to depression.
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The research mentioned earlier suggests people with depression take a one milligram supplement of B12 daily.
However, there are some mixed study results on whether B12 supplements can reduce the risk of depression.
It’s necessary to seek advice from your GP regarding treatment if you think you suffer from depression.
Treatments for depression range from therapy and medicine to lifestyle changes.
The NHS says that B12 deficiency needs to be treated promptly with B12 replacement.
This might vary depending on whether you can absorb the vitamin from taking it orally or in food.
There are B12 supplements available over the counter.
In some cases, B vitamins can interact with other medicines, so your GP might advise against them.