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

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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

Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aconite
Albizia
amino acids
apigenin
ashwagandha
Bacopa
Bacopin
bacoside
Baikal Skullcap
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium longum
brahmi
cannabidiol
Cannabis sativa oil
Capitate Valerian
catnip
Centella asiatica
chamomile
Clary sage
cocoa
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Convolvulus prostratus
cowslip
curcumin
Cymbopogon martini
essential oil blend
gastrodin
Gelsemium
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgoside
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
Griffonia simplicifolia
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
Honokiol
hyperforin
Hypericum
inositol
jujubosides
kava
kavalactones
Kefir
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Large-leaved linden
Lavandin
lavender
lemon balm
linalool
linden
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
magnolol
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesembrine
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Motherwort
Muira puama
Mulungu
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
Passionfruit
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
Polygala
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
probiotics
Pulsatilla
Purple Monkeyflower
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
rosavins
rosmarinic acid
Safranal
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
Sandalwood
sceletium
Scleranthus annus
Shankhpushpi
shen-chu
skullcap
Spikenard
St. John's Wort
star of Bethlehem
Tea
Terpenoids
Tetrahydropalmatine
Trichilia catigua
Valerenic acid
Valerian root
velvet bean
Vervain
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
Vitexin
Waterhyssop
Wogonin
Yohimbine
Zinc