Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient involved in neurological function and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. There is some scientific rationale for its role in supporting mental health, including anxiety disorders, primarily because B12 deficiency can lead to neurological and psychiatric symptoms such as mood disturbances, irritability, and, in rare cases, anxiety or psychosis. Several observational studies have found associations between low B12 levels and increased risk of mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. However, the bulk of this evidence is correlational, and there are few well-designed clinical trials directly testing the effect of B12 supplementation on anxiety in individuals who are not deficient.

Current clinical guidelines recommend screening for B12 deficiency in individuals presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially in populations at risk (elderly, vegans, people with malabsorption). Supplementation is justified for those who are deficient, and in such cases, improvement in anxiety may be observed as neurological function normalizes. However, for individuals with normal B12 levels, there is little evidence that supplementation offers additional benefit for anxiety disorders.

In summary, vitamin B12 is not a primary treatment for anxiety disorders, but correcting a deficiency may support mental health and alleviate anxiety-related symptoms in those affected. The scientific evidence for use in non-deficient individuals is limited, so the evidence rating is low.

More about vitamin B12
More about Anxiety Disorders