Is a Vitamin Deficiency Causing Your Depression?

Depression is one of the biggest threats to mental health in today’s world. Most of us are affected by it in some way or another. But did you know that a deficiency in a certain vitamin can actually cause this condition to take root in our bodies?

Depression is a type of mental disorder that can be either short-term or long-lasting. Experts say that a person may experience depression once in their life or multiple times. One of the main reasons behind depression is a deficiency in Vitamin B12.

According to reports from the health website Healthline and the Mayo Clinic, a U.S.-based health research center, Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the functioning of the nervous system.

But that’s not all—Vitamin B12 is also extremely important for overall health. Also known as cobalamin, this water-soluble vitamin plays a key role in blood formation as well.

Doctors say that a lack of Vitamin B12 in the body can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, mental stress, depression, weakness, discomfort while moving, shortness of breath, and pale skin. Most importantly, a deficiency of this vitamin prevents the nervous system from functioning properly, which can eventually lead to depression.

To fight depression, it’s important to include Vitamin B12-rich foods in your diet. These aren’t limited to colorful fruits and vegetables—animal-based sources are rich in B12 as well. These include fish, meat, eggs, dairy products like cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, and shrimp. In addition, lentils, bread, pasta, spinach, beets, and mushrooms also contain Vitamin B12.