Eating a nutrient-rich diet with adequate vitamins may help treat symptoms of depression and anxiety. Many Americans experience both anxiety and depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs of depression and anxiety include feeling hopeless, feeling guilt, irritability, loss of interest in hobbies, fatigue, concentration difficulties, appetite loss or gain. Many vitamins may play a helpful role in reducing symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a role in mood regulation and proper brain functioning. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with depression. Evidence is inconclusive and long-term studies are needed. However, the Linus Pauling Institute says that vitamin B12 deficiency testing may be helpful when evaluating depression in people. Including vitamin B12 in your diet may be helpful to aid in depression, as well as a healthy body. Food sources include meat, poultry, eggs, shellfish and milk products. This vitamin can also be obtained in supplement form.
Inositol
According to MayoClinic.com, the B vitamin inositol, may help reduce anxiety in people. Inositol may produce these anti-anxiety effects by acting on specific brain chemicals. MayoClinic.com advises that you check with your doctor before taking any alternative forms of treatment to make sure they are safe. Food sources of inositol include milk products, eggs and liver.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 may be helpful in relieving symptoms of depression. Vitamin B6 aids in the formation of serotonin in your brain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a low level of vitamin B6 is associated with depression. The center says that more research is needed, but vitamin B6 may be effective in decreasing depression symptoms. This vitamin can be taken as a supplement or in the diet. Food sources include chicken, salmon, shrimp, beef liver, milk, cheese, lentils, spinach, sunflower seeds and wheat germ.
