B-12, mental health, etc.

[evmdimples]

I recently started taking a B-12 supplement, as someone had recommended it for some pain I've been having. I just realized that since then, I've been sleeping really soundly, which normally does not happen, especially when going thru emotional turbulence like I've had this week.

I did some research and it turns out that B-12 deficiency can manifest as depression, sleep disturbances, fatigue, personality changes, there are links to Bipolar, alzheimer's, dementia, and lot of other things.

A vegetarian diet, drinking, smoking, many prescription drugs can all cause lowered b-12 absorption.

Here's one of the sites I found. There's a lot more information out there as well. Thought I'd share!

Vitamin B12 deficiency - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Sweets79]

Originally Posted by evmdimples

I recently started taking a B-12 supplement, as someone had recommended it for some pain I've been having. I just realized that since then, I've been sleeping really soundly, which normally does not happen, especially when going thru emotional turbulence like I've had this week.

I did some research and it turns out that B-12 deficiency can manifest as depression, sleep disturbances, fatigue, personality changes, there are links to Bipolar, alzheimer's, dementia, and lot of other things.

A vegetarian diet, drinking, smoking, many prescription drugs can all cause lowered b-12 absorption.

Here's one of the sites I found. There's a lot more information out there as well. Thought I'd share!

Vitamin B12 deficiency - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thanks for this useful post.

Awhile back my Dr. said I had Vitamin B deficieny and she wanted me to go for a shot every week or month I believe. I never kept up with it, but I have some Vitiamin B- Stress complex Vitamins at home that I never opened. I'm going to have to check the date on those. I should definitely start taking them.

[martha27]

Before I was diagnosed with Bipolar my doctor started giving me weekly injections of B-12 I never really knew why at the time, I was drinking very heavily and had depression etc, it sounds like she made a wise decision. The B-12 injections had an instant impact in the sense that I would be feeling the positive effect by the afternoon, more energy, lift in mood etc. Obviously they were no replacement for an accurate diagnosis and in my case medication, however your post certainly has merit, I would love to explore the possbility of reducing my meds over time and I might take a more serious look at this and other treatments mentioned on this site. Thank you for sharing

[suki44883]

Our firm offers B-12 shots once a month for $15.00. I haven't gotten one yet, but I plan to do so when the nurses come this month. Several people get one every month and swear by them.

[Sweets79]

I think I am going to start taking these shots now. I put it off thinking it wasn't so important, but it is, especially since I feel alot of times like I have no energy and tend to get depressed. It's worth a shot. No pun intended! aha.

[mxchaos]

B vitamins are really important and do help so give them a try.