Vitamin B-12 (also known as cobalamin) plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation, cellular metabolism, nerve function, and DNA production.
Some common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include strange sensations, numbness or tingling in the hands, legs or feet, difficulty walking (wobbly, balance problems), anemia, difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), memory loss , weakness or fatigue.
“Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a crucial role in the production of brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12, as well as other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate, may be linked to depression,” Dr Anshu Rohtagi, senior consultant at the Department of Neurology at the Hospital, told IANS. Sir Ganga Ram.
“Deficiencies may be due to poor diet or difficulties absorbing the vitamins consumed. Therefore, maintaining an adequate level of B-12 is essential for overall well-being, including mood regulation,” he added.
Vitamin B-12 is found primarily in poultry, meat, fish, and dairy products. It is available as an oral supplement, injections, or nasal spray.
People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may be more likely to suffer from a deficiency, since plant foods do not contain vitamin B-12. The elderly and people with digestive tract conditions that affect nutrient absorption are also susceptible to vitamin B-12 deficiency.
“Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the production of brain chemicals like serotonin, which helps regulate mood. When B12 levels go low, these chemicals can become imbalanced, which can lead to symptoms like mood swings, irritability and even depression,” Dr Guruprasad Hosurkar, Additional Director of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, told IANS. .
Importantly, the doctor explained that the “connection is not gender specific. “Both men and women can experience mood swings due to B12 deficiency.”
While research continues, studies suggest a link between low B12 levels and depression, with some showing an improvement in mood with B12 supplementation.
However, it is important to note that mood swings can have many causes, and a doctor should be consulted to rule out other factors and determine if a B12 deficiency is present, Dr. Guruprasad said.
"Vitamin B12 deficiency causes various neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness and burning in the feet, imbalance, memory impairment, mood disorders, psychosis, seizures and parkinsonism," explained Dr Sudhir Kumar of the hospitals. Indraprastha Apollo, Hyderabad, in a social media post. X media platform.
“In a patient presenting with neurological or psychiatric symptoms, suspect vitamin B12 deficiency as the cause (especially if no obvious cause is identified). Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment quickly improves the patient's symptoms,” he added.
Doctors also emphasized the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and recommended key behaviors such as controlling high blood pressure and blood sugar, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.
Some common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include strange sensations, numbness or tingling in the hands, legs or feet, difficulty walking (wobbly, balance problems), anemia, difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), memory loss , weakness or fatigue.
“Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a crucial role in the production of brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12, as well as other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate, may be linked to depression,” Dr Anshu Rohtagi, senior consultant at the Department of Neurology at the Hospital, told IANS. Sir Ganga Ram.
“Deficiencies may be due to poor diet or difficulties absorbing the vitamins consumed. Therefore, maintaining an adequate level of B-12 is essential for overall well-being, including mood regulation,” he added.
Vitamin B-12 is found primarily in poultry, meat, fish, and dairy products. It is available as an oral supplement, injections, or nasal spray.
People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may be more likely to suffer from a deficiency, since plant foods do not contain vitamin B-12. The elderly and people with digestive tract conditions that affect nutrient absorption are also susceptible to vitamin B-12 deficiency.
“Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the production of brain chemicals like serotonin, which helps regulate mood. When B12 levels go low, these chemicals can become imbalanced, which can lead to symptoms like mood swings, irritability and even depression,” Dr Guruprasad Hosurkar, Additional Director of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, told IANS. .
Importantly, the doctor explained that the “connection is not gender specific. “Both men and women can experience mood swings due to B12 deficiency.”
While research continues, studies suggest a link between low B12 levels and depression, with some showing an improvement in mood with B12 supplementation.
However, it is important to note that mood swings can have many causes, and a doctor should be consulted to rule out other factors and determine if a B12 deficiency is present, Dr. Guruprasad said.
"Vitamin B12 deficiency causes various neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness and burning in the feet, imbalance, memory impairment, mood disorders, psychosis, seizures and parkinsonism," explained Dr Sudhir Kumar of the hospitals. Indraprastha Apollo, Hyderabad, in a social media post. X media platform.
“In a patient presenting with neurological or psychiatric symptoms, suspect vitamin B12 deficiency as the cause (especially if no obvious cause is identified). Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment quickly improves the patient's symptoms,” he added.
Doctors also emphasized the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and recommended key behaviors such as controlling high blood pressure and blood sugar, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.
