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Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause depression and anxiety?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My best friend has been suffering lately from deficiency of vitamin B12. Our doctor informed us that he suffers from depression and anxiety because of vitamin deficiency. Is it possible? His dad died when he was 10, so I observed that he takes it so seriously when he feels that he is not fulfilling his duties to his mother and sister. He is trembling and shaking because of subconscious thinking. I know his mother and sister, and they are proud of him. How to convince him for it?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, vitamin B12 deficiency causes severe depression. Also, thoughts like not being able to fulfil duties can induce guilt and worse depression. Please take your friend to a psychiatrist for treatment with a combination of antidepressants and cognitive behavior therapy for best results. Please continue his vitamin B12 replacement as going on. Eating green vegetables and white meat like chicken and fish will help. Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At May 19, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 19, 2023

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