Irritability can be caused by a lack of vitamins; a change in diet or some vitamin supplements may help. Irritability also may be brought on by a build-up of certain vitamins in the body. It's best to seek advice from your health care provider before adding any vitamin supplements to your daily routine.
B Vitamins
Psychology Today reports that severe deficiencies of some B vitamins can produce symptoms such as impaired memory and higher levels of depression, confusion, anxiety and irritability. It explains that compounds in B vitamins are used to keep brain cells healthy and metabolize carbohydrates, which are the brain's fuel source. B vitamins also are needed for the production of neurotransmitters, which are important because they regulate your moods and conduct messages through the brain. Disabled World Disability and Health News says deficiencies of both niacin and thiamine can lead to irritability, but Psychology Today reports that when you're deficient in any one of the B vitamins, it can hamper the effectiveness of the others. If you want to avoid the need for vitamin B supplements, eat a varied, healthy diet that includes lean meats, vegetables and whole grains. Water soluble vitamins, such as the B vitamins, are not stored in the body and must be consumed each day.
Vitamin A
Unlike the B vitamins, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the body's fatty tissue and liver. A surplus of vitamin A can cause irritability. Disabled World Disability and Health News says some of the other symptoms of excess vitamin A include loss of appetite, liver damage, headaches, bone pain and neurological problems. Vitamin A can be found in such foods as fruits, vegetables, eggs, liver and fortified milk.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another of the fat-soluble vitamins that can build up in your system, and too much vitamin D might make you feel irritable. Disabled World Disability and Health News says other signs of a buildup of vitamin D include weight loss, vomiting, calcium deposits in the kidneys or lungs, and possible kidney failure. You can get vitamin D from sun exposure and from such foods as cheese, butter, eggs, salmon and fortified cereals.
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