Vitamin B12 deficiency anxiety, is it even a thing? Yes! Vitamin B12 is arguably the most important B vitamin. This vitamin is responsible for many different functions in the human body.
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B12 and our Nervous System
Vitamin B12 deficiency can have many different negative effects on the body especially the brain and nervous system. B12 is required for the development and maintenance of our myelin sheath (the protective covering of nerves), the function of our central nervous system, formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis.
B12 deficiency causes a disruption in the communication of the nerve cells in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Since our nerve cells control how we feel, and how we think, b12 deficiency can cause anxiety and depression as well as paranoia. B12 also helps convert tryptophan into serotonin, the feel-good chemical and neurotransmitter in the brain. B12 is also important for the synthesis of GABA which is another calming neurotransmitter in the brain.
Causes of B12 Deficiency
The risk factors for b12 deficiency include, smoking, alcohol consumption, pregnancy, autoimmune pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal infections like H. Pylori, decreased stomach acid, gastrectomy, gastric bypass surgery, malnutrition, Celiac and Crohn’s disease, SIBO, MTHFR gene mutation and several other conditions.
B12 has a long process of breakdown and absorption. This process begins in the stomach. If there is not enough stomach acid the B12 in our food can’t be released and broken down for absorption. Many different gastrointestinal issues can interrupt this cycle.
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
Neurological and Psychiatric symptoms: paresthesia (numbness and tingling in the hands and or feet), weakness in the arms or legs, confusion, depression, anxiety, psychosis, paranoia, visual disturbances, dizziness, irritability, postpartum depression and or anxiety.
Other symptoms: anemia, fatigue, tachycardia (high heart rate) generalized weakness (has similar symptoms to chronic fatigue syndrome), syncope, unexplained weight loss, falls, tinnitus, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, sore tongue, constipation and diarrhea.
Diagnosis and Treatment of B12 Deficiency
Normal ranges for B12 vary from 160-300 pg/ml to 600-900 pg/ml. Devastating symptoms of B12 deficiency can occur in what is considered a normal range. Symptoms may start at levels around 400-500pg/ml. A major issue is that we don’t know how prevalent B12 deficiency is in mental health. Screening for B12 deficiency is not routine for complaints of anxiety and depression. A serum B12, homocysteine as well as a urine MMA is the best way to test for a deficiency.
Treatment for B12 deficiency is simple. The best treatment is injections once a week to several times a month. Sublingual (under the tongue) tablets are the next best option. Methylcobalamin, Adenosylcobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin are the best forms of B12 to use. Cyanocobalamin is not recommended because it is derived from cyanide. Here is the link to the sublingual form of B12 I used. I really like this particular brand not only because it uses all 3 of the best forms of B12 but because it contains folate as well.
If you are struggling from anxiety, I encourage you to look into B12 deficiency. Supplementing with B12 was one of the major components to healing my anxiety, panic and DPDR.
Please check out the book Could it be B12? by Sally M. Pacholok.
I wish you love on your healing journey my friend.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. If you have any medical or psychiatric concerns, please seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider.
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