It would be nice to think that a simple daily vitamin pill could cure depression, but if your symptoms of depression are being caused by a vitamin deficiency, it is possible that a vitamin supplement could be the answer to your mood problems. So what vitamin deficiencies can lead to depression and which are the most appropriate vitamins for depression treatment?
A diet deficient in essential vitamins and minerals is never good for our health and we are quite likely to end up feeling tired, stressed, mentally confused and probably depressed. But aside from the general symptoms of a poor diet, there are some vitamins that are essential for our emotional wellbeing—and when these are lacking in our diet, we can be affected by low moods and, ultimately, depression.
A deficiency in B vitamins has long been linked to depression and a lack of many of the B vitamins can cause symptoms of depression as well as a multitude of other health problems. Deficiencies in vitamin B1, B3, B5 and B12 are all known to cause emotional disorders, including depression, so if you suspect your depression could be a result of a poor diet or you regularly consume too much refined sugars and/or alcohol (both of which drain the body’s supply of B vitamins)l, it could be wise to try taking a B complex supplement.
Which individual B vitamins are closely linked to the symptoms of depression?
A deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1 can cause all kinds of emotional disturbances, including depression. Vitamin B1 deficiencies are often seen in heavy drinkers, many of whom suffer from associated depressive illness, so for those people that drink large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, a thiamine supplement is essential and can relieve depressive symptoms.
A niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency causes depressive symptoms and vitamin B3 supplements are also used to treat some other types of mental illness, including schizophrenia.
A pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency leads to anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression. Vitamin B6 deficiencies have also been linked to cases of depression in post menopausal women.
What are the best vitamins for depression?
Research has indicated that vitamin B12 in particular is very closely linked to depression and patients suffering from depression respond much better to treatment if they are given a vitamin B1, B3, and B6 supplement, as this increases the level of vitamin B12 in their blood. As a result of such studies, scientists believe that taking low levels of B vitamin supplements may help to prevent and treat depressive illnesses.
Signs of vitamins for depression overdose
As with all medications, it is important to be very careful when self medicating as it is always possible to inadvertently take too much of a vitamin supplement, which can lead to unpleasant side effects and health problems. Side effects of too high a dose of vitamins for depression can include sleep problems, skin rashes and allergies, and in severe cases, liver damage, low blood pressure, poor coordination and nervous system disorders. Because of this, always consult your doctor before trying a vitamin supplement to cure your symptoms of depression at home.
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