Depression is an illness affecting how you feel, think and behave -- and it may lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Many women experience depression at some point in their lifetime. Some women may suffer from postpartum depression, which occurs following the body's natural hormonal changes after childbirth. If you believe you may be suffering from depression, seek prompt medical attention. Certain vitamins may be helpful in your battle against depression.
Folate
According to a 2007 article in "The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry," adequate levels of folate are crucial for proper brain and body functioning, with deficiencies leading to an increased risk of depression, poorer antidepressant treatment outcomes and an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Folate is present in fortified grain products, citrus fruits, dried beans and peas. In the form of a supplement, folate is also known as folic acid. All women of childbearing age should consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid each day.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D may be helpful for women who are battling depression. Vitamin D is the only vitamin that humans synthesize from sunlight. According to the Vitamin D Council, evidence exists that major depression is associated with low vitamin D levels and that depression is associated with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and low bone-mineral density -- all illnesses thought to be caused, in part, by vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is naturally present in fish, eggs and milk. It can be obtained from spending time in the sun as well as by oral supplementation. The recommendation for vitamin D intake in women ranges from 400 to 600 IU daily.
Vitamin B-12
According to MayoClinic.com, vitamin B-12 is known to play a role in the production of certain brain chemicals that are important in regulating mood and other brain functions. An adequate daily consumption of vitamin B-12 may help women who are suffering from depression. Women who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may be more likely to suffer from vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 can be found in animal products such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and fortified breakfast cereals. It may also be supplemented orally. The recommended daily intake of vitamin B-12 for women over 18 years of age is 2.4 mcg daily.
