Vitamin B-12 is considered safe and nontoxic and does not typically cause adverse symptoms like anxiety; however, unless you are at risk for being deficient in this vitamin or have pernicious anemia, you do not need to get B-12 shots and can meet the RDA through diet. If you do have a B-12 deficiency, this can result in mood disturbances, such as feelings of nervousness, and you should contact your doctor in this case.
RDA and Supplements
Adults need 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 a day to support the function of their metabolism and nerve cells, as well as their immune system and mood. As long as you consume animal foods like dairy products, eggs, beef, pork and organ meats, you can meet the RDA through your diet, but if you are a vegan or have a malabsorption condition, you might not get enough of this vitamin from the foods you eat. Additionally, those over the age of 50 might have a difficult time absorbing B-12 from animal foods and should meet their RDA through supplements, such as vitamin pills or B-12 shots, or fortified foods like cereal.
B-12 Shots
B-12 shots can be used to treat pernicious anemia, the symptoms of which include weakness, memory loss, confusion and moodiness, which can manifest as anxiety. However, some people who do not have this condition or a B-12 deficiency get injections of this vitamin because they believe it will boost their metabolism or give them more energy. According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., of the Mayo Clinic, the injections are not likely to have these effects unless you are deficient in B-12. While consuming more than the RDA of this vitamin will not likely harm you, you should check with your doctor before taking B-12 shots.
Deficiency and Anxiety
It is not uncommon to be slightly deficient in B-12 and even mildly low levels can result in neurological and psychological symptoms. These include mood disturbances like feelings of nervousness, which can contribute to anxiety, as well as muscle weakness, spasms, ataxia, vision problems, dementia, incontinence and psychoses. If you develop this deficiency, your doctor might recommend B-12 shots or another form of supplementation as treatment. Once your B-12 levels return to normal, your anxiety and other symptoms typically will subside.
Other Causes and Accompanying Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety is defined as feeling apprehensive, nervous or fearful, and you might not always be able to determine the source of these feelings. They can result for a variety of reasons not necessarily associated with your B-12 intake. Common causes of anxiety include a generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or phobias. Your anxiety also might be accompanied by symptoms such as sweating, twitching, abdominal pain, dry mouth, headaches or rapid breathing. If you are having trouble with anxiety or believe you might have low B-12 levels, see your doctor.
