Vitamin B12: Cottage cheese health benefits explained
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Deficiency of dietary origin affects mainly people following vegetarian and vegan diets. But there are also other conditions affecting your body that can prevent you from absorbing vitamin B12 properly. There are various symptoms of B12 deficiency including depression.
Vitamin B12 along with other B vitamins plays a role in the production of brain chemicals that affect your mood.
That’s why low levels can be connected to depression.
A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology looked at depression and vitamin B12 status.
Evidence suggested that lower levels of this vitamin correlate with increases in depression.
A possible explanation is the effect of B12 on serotonin in your brain.
Serotonin is known as “the happy chemical” that helps to regulate your mood.
It is thought to also impact happiness and anxiety.
And low levels of this chemical are linked to depression.
The research mentioned earlier suggests people with depression take a one milligram supplement of B12 daily.
However, there are some mixed study results on whether B12 supplements can reduce the risk of depression.
It’s necessary to seek advice from your GP regarding treatment if you think you suffer from depression.
Treatments for depression range from therapy and medicine to lifestyle changes.
In case you need to speak to someone about how you feel:
- You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123
- Use the ‘Shout’ crisis text line – text SHOUT to 85258.
Depression is only one possible symptom of B12 deficiency.
Other symptoms can include lack of energy, extreme tiredness, pins and needles, disturbed vision and more.
The NHS says that B12 deficiency needs to be treated promptly with B12 replacement.
This might vary depending on whether you can absorb the vitamin from taking it orally or in food.
There are B12 supplements available over the counter.
In some cases, B vitamins can interact with other medicines, so your GP might advise against them.
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