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Most people around the world experience depression at some point in their lives. Your mental health is affected. Especially after the Corona (COVID-19) epidemic and lockdown, depression among people has increased rapidly due to job loss. It is not limited to any particular age group but also affects children. Research and experts suggest that, along with the environment, nutritional deficiencies also affect our mental health. Vitamin B12 is one of them. If there is a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the diet, mental health is definitely affected (vitamin B12 for mental health).
What does the research say about vitamin B12 for mental health?
A team of researchers Prerna Sangle, Osama Sandhu, Germina Aftab, Thomas Anthony, and Safira Khan from the US Institute for Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology investigated vitamin B12 deficiency. Their findings were published in the Curious Journal. According to the researchers, depression is seen most often in women and young adults ages 18 to 25. The main reason for this may be vitamin B12 deficiency. Due to lack of information, despite suffering from vitamin B deficiency, they are unable to increase their intake. and struggle with brain health issues.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Affects Your Energy and Mental Health
Vitamin B12 is synthesized by bacteria present in the human body. It is a water soluble vitamin. It is obtained mainly from the consumption of meat products. It is naturally deficient in people on a vegetarian diet. Deficiency of this particular vitamin can also cause fatigue, weakness, constipation, balance problems, tingling in the hands and feet, depression, and cognitive problems.
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plays a key role in neurological functioning
Micronutrients are known to influence the normal structure and functions of the brain. Vitamin B12 is also known as cyanocobalamin. It is one of the water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin B12 primarily plays a role in red blood cell formation, neurological functioning, and DNA synthesis. B12 is also an important nutrient for nervous system health.
It is important for the production of serotonin and dopamine. It is a neurotransmitter that improves mood. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause hematological changes, neurological and psychiatric problems. This can manifest as irritability, personality changes, depression, and memory loss.
It can also improve focus and memory.
Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins play a role in the production of brain chemicals. These chemicals affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins, such as vitamin B6 and folate, may also be linked to depression. Research has found that consuming the required amount of vitamin B12 has also reduced other related mental health problems, including depression. It can also improve focus and memory.
It is necessary to include in the usual diet a diet rich in vitamin B12.
According to a research article published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, vitamin B12 is naturally present in foods of animal origin, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. In addition to these, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified nutritional yeast are available sources of vitamin B12.
The average level of vitamin B12 in the breast milk of women taking vitamin B12 is 0.44 mcg/L. A normal person should have between 160 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or between 118 and 701 picomoles per liter (pmol/L). To strengthen mental health, it is necessary to regularly include vitamin B12 in the diet.
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