Vitamin Defiencies and Depression

Feel like you ever want to take vitamins for depression? Well, some of you this may seem simple. But there are many different types of vitamin deficiencies that can lead to symptoms of depression.

Vitamins B-complex

B-complex vitamins are essential for mental and emotional state. They can not be stored in our bodies, so we depend entirely on our daily diet to supply them. B vitamins are destroyed by alcohol, refined sugars, nicotine and caffeine, so it is not surprising that some people are in short supply.

Here’s a summary of the latest discoveries about the relationship of vitamin B-complex to depression:

Vitamin B1 (thiamine): The brain uses this vitamin to help convert glucose (blood sugar) into fuel, and without it he quickly wear out. This can lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, even suicidal thoughts. Deficiencies can also cause memory problems, loss of appetite, insomnia and gastrointestinal problems. Consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as simple sugars leads to depletion of reserves of B1 in the body.

Vitamin B3 (niacin): Pellagra – which produces psychosis and dementia, among other symptoms – occurs from lack of niacin. Many commercial food products now contain niacin, and pellagra has virtually disappeared. However, subclinical deficiencies of vitamin B3 can produce agitation and anxiety, and delay in mental and physical processes.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Symptoms of deficiency are fatigue, chronic stress and depression. Vitamin B5 is needed for hormone formation and absorption of amino acids and the brain chemical acetylcholine, which combine to prevent certain types of depression.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): This vitamin helps the absorption of amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones. It is necessary for the production of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. Vitamin B6 deficiencies, although rare, cause impaired immunity, skin and mental problems. A marginal deficiency sometimes occurs in alcoholics, patients with renal failure and women who take oral contraceptives. Many nutritionists believe that most diets do not provide optimal amounts of this vitamin.

Vitamin B12: Because vitamin B12 is important for the formation of red blood cells, its absence leads to a problem with the transmission of oxygen, known as pernicious anemia. This problem can cause mood swings, paranoia, irritability, confusion, dementia, hallucinations or mania, eventually followed by loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, diarrhea and numbness of the extremities.Deficiencies to take a long time since the body of a three-to five-year reserves in the liver. When shortages do occur, they are often due to lack of intrinsic factor, an enzyme that allows vitamin B12 to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Since this factor diminishes with age, older people are more prone to B12 deficiencies.

*Folic acid: This B vitamin is needed for DNA synthesis. It is also necessary for the production of S-adenosyl methionine. Bad eating habits, certain diseases, alcoholism and certain medications such as aspirin, contraceptive pills, sedatives and anticonvulsants lead to folic acid deficiency. This is usually administered in combination with vitamin B12, since B12 deficiency can mask a folic acid. Pregnant women are often advised to take this vitamin to prevent neural tube defects in fetuses.

Vitamin C

Deficiency of vitamin C can cause depression, which requires the use of food additives.Food additives are extremely important if you have had surgery or an inflammation.Stress, pregnancy and lactation also can increase the body’s need for vitamin C, while aspirin, tetracycline, and birth control pills can of stocks in the body.

Minerals

Shortages of some other minerals may also cause depression in December.

· Magnesium: Deficiency is expressed in depressive symptoms, along with confusion, agitation, anxiety and hallucinations, as well as a variety of physical problems. Most foods do not contain enough magnesium, and stress contributes to its depletion.

· Calcium: Depletion affects the central nervous system. The low level of calcium in the body causes nervousness, anxiety, irritability and numbness.

· Zinc: shortages are reflected in the apathy, loss of appetite and lethargy. In the absence of zinc, copper in the body can rise to toxic levels, which is reflected in paranoia and fear.

· Iron: Depression is a common symptom of chronic iron deficiency. Other symptoms include general weakness, apathy, fatigue, loss of appetite and headaches.

· Manganese: This metal is needed for proper absorption of vitamins C and B complex.Since it also plays a role in the formation of amino acids deficiency may contribute to depression stemming from low levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Manganese also helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent hypoglycemia (mood swings).

· Potassium: Depletion is frequently associated it with depression, fear and fatigue.

There are many different types of vitamin deficiencies that can lead to symptoms of depression.