And if you are intellectually curious about these types of discussions, here is another scientific article that addresses some similar considerations. So, yes, the scientific literature is mixed.

In the U. and U. Vitamin B12 deficiency can show up in a number of ways, such as low counts of white and red blood cells or platelets or a combination , fatigue, weight loss, dementia, pale skin, or neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. But sometimes there are no symptoms.

BLOG: 5 Vitamins You Probably Need More Of. And although here in the States, most adults can meet their daily value of B vitamins from food, knowing your numbers is usually a good thing. For example, this study shared results that patients with mild cognitive impairment and low-normal vitamin B12 status showed a significantly poorer learning ability and recognition performance in comparison to patients with high-normal B12 status.

Further, the study found that the microstructure integrity of the hippocampus was lower in patients with low-normal vitamin B The hippocampus has a critical function in learning, memory formation and storage. BLOG: Are You Getting Enough B12? An older study showed low serum folate was strongly associated with atrophy of the cerebral cortex.

That part of the brain has an important role in functions such as memory, attention and language. Their study was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin B12 replacement therapy on those patients who were both vitamin Bdeficient and with minimal cognitive impairment.

In the 44 remaining patients who reported no symptomatic improvement, MMSE scores improved in 26 of those patients. VIDEO: Are Omega-3s Related to Aggressive Behavior? B vitamins are important in ensuring a healthy, functioning brain. And B vitamins may contribute to cognitive function and help prevent cognitive impairment, but more research is needed.

Be realistic about the synergistic role of vitamins and manage your expectations for what they can do.

At the very least, be smart—make sure to meet your daily requirements for B vitamins. Search for:. Home Nutrition News What Should I Eat? B1 thiamin B2 riboflavin B3 niacin B5 pantothenic acid B6 pyridoxine B7 biotin B9 folate [folic acid] B12 cobalamin These vitamins help a variety of enzymes do their jobs, ranging from releasing energy from carbohydrates and fat to breaking down amino acids and transporting oxygen and energy-containing nutrients around the body.

Spotlight on Three of the Bs: Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 One of the advances that changed the way we look at vitamins was the discovery that too little folate is linked to birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Folate Folic Acid — Vitamin B9 Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9, water-soluble and naturally found in many foods.

Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in many foods, as well as added to foods and supplements. Sometimes a vitamin B deficiency occurs for unknown reasons. Your doctor may order a blood test to check levels of B or other vitamins if a deficiency is suspected.

If you have a vitamin B deficiency, taking a daily supplement that includes vitamin B may help your body get the nutrients it needs. But study results have been mixed and questionable on whether vitamin B supplements can help reduce the risk of depression.

Because B and other vitamin supplements can interact with some medications, especially in high doses, talk to your doctor before you take a vitamin supplement. The best way to make sure you're getting enough B and other vitamins is to eat a healthy diet that includes sources of essential nutrients.

Vitamin B is plentiful in animal products such as fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs, and low-fat and fat-free milk. Fortified breakfast cereals also are a good source of B and other B vitamins. Keep in mind, the role of B vitamins in depression isn't clear and more research is needed.

And no supplement can replace proven depression treatments such as antidepressants and psychological counseling. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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Request Appointment. Vitamin B and depression: Are they related? Products and services. What's the relationship between vitamin B and depression?

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Show references Mikkelsen K, et al. The effects of vitamin B in depression. Current Medicinal Chemistry.

Vitamin B Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed May 3, Vitamin B Natural Medicines.

Lyness JM. Unipolar depression in adults: Assessment and diagnosis. Lim SY, et al. Nutritional factors affecting mental health. Clinical Nutrition Research. Schefft C, et al.