Vitamin B12 also known as Cobalamin is a water-soluble Vitamin that plays a major role in many different bodily functions. It is one of the 8 B vitamins and has a substantial impact on the health of the body’s nervous system.
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B12 helps the body manufacture and maintain healthy nerve cells and is needed for the proper function of the cells of the nervous system and brain. B12 also plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and helps regulate the level of homocysteine in the body, an amino acid that can contribute to heart disease.
B12’s impact on mental health
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.
B12 is also incredibly important for the regulation of homocysteine levels in the body. High levels of homocysteine can cause damage to blood vessels and contribute to heart disease but high levels of homocysteine can also cause anxiety and depression. Studies have shown a correlation between high levels of homocysteine and anxiety, depression, bipolar and an increased risk for schizophrenia. High homocysteine can interfere with the proper function of important mood stabilizing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
Psychiatric symptoms of b12 deficiency include but are not limited to:
- Confusion/disorientation
- Memory Loss
- Depression
- Suicidal Ideation
- Mania
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Apathy
- Personality Changes
- Inappropriate Sexual Behavior
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Violent/Aggressive Behavior
- Schizophrenic Symptoms
- Sleep Disturbances
- Insomnia
- Changes in taste, smell, vision and sensory/motor function that can be mistaken for psychiatric symptoms.
Since B12 is so vital for the health of the nervous system this directly impacts mental health disorders. A B12 deficiency or lack of B12 in the body can negatively impact mental health, especially anxiety and depression.
There are many misconceptions around B12 deficiency, the most common is that it is rare and that it is an old person’s disease. B12 deficiency is thought to be rare but the truth is that B12 deficiency is common, has many causes and most importantly can affect people of ALL ages, not just the elderly.
The misdiagnosis of B12 in psychiatric and mental health disorders is highly prevalent. The link between Psychiatric disorders and B12 deficiency should always be ruled out in new onset cases or worsening of current conditions.
The misdiagnosis of b12 deficiency should not be ignored and I encourage you to do your own research and advocate for yourself or your loved ones. B12 deficiency is treatable, and the effects are reversible if caught early enough.
B12 deficiency also effects the body in many ways, not just psychologically. without adequate B12 the body may not have enough red blood cells to transport vitally needed oxygen around the body causing shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue. The following is a list of the physical symptoms of B12 deficiency:
- Weakness
- Shortness of Breath
- Paresthesia( numbness, tingling, burning sensations)
- Balance issues
- Difficulty walking
- Visual disturbances
- Restless legs
- Nightime muscle cramps
- Decreased pain tolerance
- Abnormal reflexes
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Weightloss
- Lightheadedness
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Fainting spells
- Tinnitus(ringing in the ears)
- Tachycardia
- Sore tongue
If you want to learn more about B12 deficiency the following book is a great place to start:
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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