The exact cause of depression is not known and many studies, research and nutrition topics are centered around helping symptoms. Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, which may be hereditary or caused by events in a person's life, according to the National Institute of Health. Certain vitamins can help with depression, but it is important to discuss taking vitamins for depression with your doctor.
What Is Depression?
Depression can be defined as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable or "down in the dumps," which is a common feeling that can be short lasted by mostly everyone. Clinical depression, however, is having these feelings for a long period of time and is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger or frustration interfere with everyday life, explains the National Institute of Health. Depression can occur in men, women and people of all ages and levels of society. If you feel that you are suffering from clinical depression, seek medical treatment and advice regarding certain medications and vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known as the immune system vitamin because it strengthens your system and can help recover from sickness quickly. This is important for people suffering from depression because depression symptoms can often lead to a weakened immune system and a higher risk of getting sick. Vitamin C can also help depression because it plays a role in the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical responsible for a person's mood. Discuss your vitamin C and serotonin levels with your doctor.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins like B6 can play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions, according to MayoClinic.com. Low levels of B12 and other B vitamins may be linked to depression, so discuss your levels with your doctor. Older adults, vegetarians and people with digestive disorders may have trouble getting enough B12 because it is not absorbed correctly in their bodies. Make sure you are getting enough B12 and B vitamins by eating a healthy diet by eating foods such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs and fortified cereals.
Vitamin D
Lack of vitamin D has been linked to depression. This vitamin is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Many people do not receive enough sun or food items containing vitamin D and this can lead to depression side effects. Adults between 14 and 70 years old should aim to take 5 to 15 micrograms per day. You can also fight depression effects by aiming for 10 to 15 minutes of sunshine three times per week. Talk to your doctor if you feel vitamin D is a concern regarding depression.
