Vitamin B-12 and depression: Are they related?

Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in making brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins and folate may be linked to depression.

Low levels of a vitamin, also called a vitamin deficiency, can happen if you’re not eating a balanced diet. Low levels also can happen if you can’t absorb the vitamins you eat. Older adults, vegetarians and people with digestive disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may have trouble getting enough B-12.

Sometimes the reason for a low vitamin B-12 level is not known. Your doctor or other healthcare professional may order a blood test to check the level of B-12 or other vitamins if it’s thought that the levels might be low.

If you have a low vitamin B-12 level, taking a daily supplement that includes vitamin B-12 may help your body get the vitamins it needs. But study results have been mixed on whether vitamin B-12 supplements can help lower the risk of depression or ease symptoms. Because B-12 and other vitamin supplements can interact with some medicines, especially in high doses, talk with your healthcare professional before you take a vitamin supplement.

The best way to make sure you’re getting enough B-12 and other vitamins is to eat a healthy diet. Vitamin B-12 is plentiful in animal products such as fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs, and low-fat and fat-free milk. Other good sources include foods that have B-12 and other B vitamins added, such as breakfast cereals enriched with B-12.

Keep in mind that the role of B vitamins in lowering the risk of depression or helping to ease depression symptoms is not clear and more research is needed. And no supplement can replace proven depression treatments such as antidepressants and mental health counseling.