Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B complex, particularly B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin), has been investigated for its role in mental health, including anxiety disorders. These vitamins are involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are crucial for mood regulation. Some studies have found that individuals with anxiety disorders may have lower levels of certain B vitamins, and supplementation could theoretically help alleviate symptoms. For example, a few small clinical trials and observational studies have reported that B vitamin supplementation can reduce feelings of stress and improve mood, though the effect on clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders is modest and not consistently replicated. A 2019 meta-analysis suggested some benefit of B vitamin supplementation on mood and stress, but the effect sizes were small, and heterogeneity among studies was high.

Overall, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some supportive evidence, the scientific validation is limited by methodological weaknesses, small sample sizes, and inconsistent findings. Most guidelines do not recommend B vitamins as a primary treatment for anxiety disorders, but they may be considered as adjuncts, especially in individuals with deficiencies. Therefore, while some scientific evidence supports their use, it is not strong or conclusive.

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Products containing vitamin B

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