Depression is a medical condition that affects your brain. Symptoms of depression include loss of interest in daily activities, weight loss or gain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, feeling sad and thoughts of death. Treatments for depression include antidepressant medications and therapy. A healthy diet rich in B vitamins may also play a role in preventing and treating depression. Consult your physician before adding B vitamins to your regimen.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B-6 deficiency is associated with irritability, confusion and depression, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. An enzyme in the formation of serotonin and norepinephrine, the neurotransmitters that help regulate your mood, relies on vitamin B-6. Therefore, vitamin B-6 deficiency has been implicated as a potential source of depression. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that studies are not conclusive. However, since vitamin B-6 is important for a healthy body and mind, it can be included in your daily diet. Good food sources of this vitamin include bananas, salmon, turkey, baked potatoes, hazelnuts and spinach.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B-12 may play a role in preventing depression. The Linus Pauling Institute informs that research has found as many as 30 percent of people suffering from depression have a vitamin B-12 deficiency. The relationship between vitamin B-12 and depression is unclear; however, vitamin B-12 assists the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, a compound necessary for the metabolism of neurotransmitters in the brain associated with depression. Studies on the association between vitamin B-12 and depression are limited and evidence is inconclusive. However, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends that you may benefit from a vitamin B-12 deficiency screening if you experience depression. Vitamin B-12 can be found in many animal products such as meat, poultry and fish. It can also be obtained in some dairy products such as milk and cheese. It is not present in plant foods.
Folate
Folate is another B vitamin that may play a role in depression prevention. According to MedlinePlus, folate may help treat symptoms of depression when used in combination with other antidepressant medications. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that folate may play a role in the formation of SAMe in the brain. Foods high in folate include spinach, broccoli, asparagus, bananas, melons, beans, mushrooms, beef liver and kidney. Certain foods such as breads and cereals may also be fortified with folate.
