Which vitamin deficiency affects mental health? Know from the expert

Vitamin Deficiency and Depression- Feeling tired and sad without any reason is not always a cause of stress but it is also due to deficiency of some vitamins. Know which vitamin deficiency causes depression and how to cure it?

Depression is not just a mental problem, it is also directly related to the nutritional status of our body. Lack of some essential vitamins can also be a major cause of mental disorders like depression and anxiety. The good thing is that it is possible to prevent it in time through proper diet and supplements.

 

Experts say that depression is not just an emotional or mental state, it is directly related to physical nutrition, especially vitamins. Certain vitamins are necessary to maintain the balance of our body and mind. When there is a deficiency of these, brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) get disturbed, which affects mood, energy level and thinking ability. Let us understand in detail how vitamin deficiency affects depression:

 

 

The most important vitamin associated with depression: Vitamin B12

Dr. AK Kumar of the Department of Mental Diseases at Ghaziabad District Hospital explains that vitamin B12 deficiency is considered a major cause of depression and mood disorders. This vitamin is very important for our brain and nervous system. Due to its deficiency, a person may feel tired, irritable, lack of attention and sadness. In the long run, this condition can take the form of depression.

Vitamin D deficiency is also responsible

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, plays an important role in mood regulation. Its deficiency can lead to low energy, sadness and lack of motivation in a person. Especially rain, cold or staying indoors for a long time can cause vitamin D levels in the body to drop, increasing the risk of depression.

The role of folate (Vitamin B9) is also important

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) deficiency can also affect mental health. This vitamin helps in the production of feel-good hormones (such as serotonin, dopamine) in the brain. Its deficiency can disturb the balance of the brain.

How to protect yourself?

1. Eat a balanced diet- Include nutrient-rich foods like milk, eggs, fish, spinach, broccoli, bananas, almonds, cereals, pulses and yogurt in your diet

2 Spend time in the sun – Try to sit in the mild morning sun for 15-20 minutes every day so that the body can get enough Vitamin D.

3. Get a blood test done- If you are frequently feeling tired, have mood swings or feel sad, then get your Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D tests done once.

4 Take supplements as per doctor's advice- If the diet is not fulfilling the requirement, then take vitamin supplements after consulting the doctor.

Depression can be caused not only by emotions but also by nutritional reasons. It can be prevented by timely identification of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and B9 (Folate) deficiency. You can remain mentally healthy with proper diet, sunlight and health checkup.