Tuesday, October 22, 2013

How Are Vitamin B12 and Depression Related?

Depression is a condition that should not be taken blithely. It is reported that a quarter of adults go through depression at some points in their lives. It leads to other health problems, such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. It also disables people, preventing them from functioning properly in the society. Indeed, is can be a debilitating condition, so it should not be left untreated. Studies have linked the condition to low levels of certain hormones and substances in the body, and one of these substances is Vitamin B12.
Just like the other B vitamins, B12 is necessary for metabolic processes and conversion of food to energy. However, the vitamin also plays a role in the production of brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Moreover, studies have suggested that the vitamin has a link to depression. It has been found that people who suffer from depression have low levels of the vitamin. One study also found out that depression patients with higher levels of the vitamin respond better to treatments than those with lower levels of the vitamin.
These findings are important as they mean that the vitamin can be used to help treat depression, a condition that affects millions of people. Moreover, people can prevent developing the condition by making sure that their diets supply them with sufficient amounts of the vitamin. Its primary sources are animal foods, including beef liver, shellfish, poultry, milk, and milk products. Thus, vegans are at risk of developing deficiency of the vitamin. Moreover, the levels of the vitamin decline with age and due to certain diseases, so Vitamin B12 supplementation can also do a lot of difference in maintaining people's physical and mental health.
It is unfortunate that millions of people are affected by depression, but it is also fortunate that technological advancement has paved the way for the discovery of various ways of preventing and treating the condition.
Take charge of your physical and mental health, and get the high quality health supplements you need at Choice Nutrition Supplements.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8067034

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