Dr. Mercola December 17 2003 7,474 views
Research shows that those who suffer from depression respond better to their treatment if they have high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood.
In a recent study, over 100 outpatients experiencing depression were closely observed over a six-month period. The patients were grouped by how well they responded to the treatment of their depression. Researchers also measured the level of vitamin B12 in the patients’ blood. The measurements were recorded on the first day they came in, and again at their six-month checkup. This allowed the researchers to keep track of whether the level of the vitamin influenced each patient’s outcome.
The study found that the patients who responded fully to the treatment had higher concentrations of vitamin B12 in their blood at both the beginning and end of treatment.
BioMed Central Psychiatry December 1, 2003;3:17
Depression is one of the most devastating and common diseases on the planet. It exacts a toll far more significant in pain and suffering than just about any other disease. Each year depression will affect 10 percent of American adults. Right now, there are more than 25 million depressed people in the United States, a big jump from 17 million in 2002.
Nearly twice as many women (12 percent) as men (7 percent) are affected by a depressive illness each year. Major depression often begins between the ages 15 and 30 or even earlier.
The statistics I have mentioned above are under-estimates. This is because many cases of depression are unreported or misdiagnosed.
Treating depression with drugs has become quite common. They were first developed in the 1950s and now there are more than 30 different medications on the market. In 2002 they accounted for over $3 billion of annual prescription costs in the United States and are growing by approximately 25 percent each year. By now over 8 million people are using antidepressants.
I used to be one of those drug-prescribing doctors and in the late 80s I had put several thousand patients on these drugs. They seemed to work well for many, however in not one single case did they solve the underlying foundational reason as to why the person was depressed. Antidepressants work for less than 50 percent of the depressed population. Any type of pill is only a Band-Aid solution for the problem.
Wouldn’t it make more sense to use less toxic and less expensive alternatives that at least have a chance at treating the cause?
While that might make sense to you and me it surely is not the choice that most drug companies would have you and your doctor make for treating depression.
According to the study above, vitamin B12 may be crucial to help in the treatment of depression. One theory on the benefit of vitamin B12 is that it helps manufacture compounds called monoamines in the central nervous system, a shortage is believed to be linked to depression.
Also, the food you eat has a far more profound influence on your feelings than you think. This is particularly true for sugars and grain, which require insulin to metabolize them. Elevated insulin levels will lead to disrupted serotonin and other neurochemicals that will lead to depression. A major shift in dietary patterns, such as fat intake, can contribute to depression also.
Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in the food we consume so vitamin-B12 deficiency is very common, almost universal, in strict vegetarians and vegans. Vitamin B12 is NOT readily available, if available at all, in plants. The information above shows just how much the body needs vitamin B12, and there are sources out there for vegetarians and vegans.
The common recommendation is to use injections, but I would suggest you obtain your B12 in a more absorbable form.
Optimizing the diet is clearly an important step for treating depression, and one of the most important tools will be to make sure you are getting enough omega-3 fats. I have had large numbers of patients spontaneously take themselves off their antidepressants once they started the fish oils.
By far, the best type of omega-3 fats is those found in fish oils. That's because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA - low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.
I recommend a high-quality source of fish oil. It is necessary to have a quality source to ensure that toxins and other impurities have been removed from the oil. I offer Carlson’s brand fish oil and cod liver oil on this site, as I have found it to be of superior quality. You may be able to find Carlson’s in your local health food store as well. If you want to know more about vitamin B12 and its role in your health, I would highly recommend you review the article I posted last year on vitamin B12 to learn more about this wonderful vitamin.
Related Articles:
Screening for Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Treatment Options for Healing Depression Defeating Depression: as Easy as Omega-3 Signs and Symptoms of Depression Winter Depression Linked With Melatonin Cycle Millions of U.S. Adults Not Treated for Depression Vegetables and Folate Help Depression Raw Veganism, Biblical Nutrition, and Health Principles (Part 1)
Screening for Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Treatment Options for Healing Depression
Defeating Depression: as Easy as Omega-3
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Winter Depression Linked With Melatonin Cycle
Millions of U.S. Adults Not Treated for Depression
Vegetables and Folate Help Depression
Raw Veganism, Biblical Nutrition, and Health Principles (Part 1)
I used to try and treat my depression rage attacks, migraines, and insomnia with nutrition alone and I did this for decades. i was vehemently antidrug. I took every nutritional supplement there was that could help the brain. I went through big bottles of l tryptophan every month. I took all the b vitamins, used minerals, avoid food allergens, ate no sugar. I gave every nutrient I tried a good LONG time to work. I didn’t just take them for a few days and quit. I got a CPAP machine and always use it unless the power is off. . I tried relaxation tapes and prayer. I read through the entire Bible several times in five different versions. I tried exercise but it was hard because I was so exhausted. I was having 24/7 migraines from sleep deprivation. I would have rage attacks. I was in Hell and I put my parents through Hell. I finally learned that antidepressants could help me too. I went on brand name Surmontil, which is the only one that raises REM sleep instead of lowering it, (generic is worthless). I could finally sleep! My migraines pain and frequency lifted. I was no longer so sensitive to light all the time I had to run around with sun glasses on all the time like a visitor from K-PAX. I started half functioning while before I had only one third functioned. Since then I’ve added bipolar level treatment doses of Omega 3 which I learned about here. I also finally got a thyroid and an adrenal problem treated, and learned I have Asperger’s syndrome, (can’t read or respond to facial BLOCKED EXPRESSION. I am taking oral chelation meds for heavy metal poisoning. I’ve been able to cut back on the Surmontil but I still need a good amount of it to sleep. Everything works better TOGETHER! With moderation and wisdom, drugs have their place. By the way EFT only works a little bit too.
I am in the same situation. I've tried and I still try everything and as much as I hate to take prescription drugs, I have too. Alternatives are not cheap, I spent for me and my son thousands and thousands of dollars on thechniques, tests and supplements. Practically, I worked for the last 10 years to pay those bills. I could not cure my migranes and depression and my son's eczema. I cannot afford financially to try anymore. Right now the prescrption drugs are cheaper and if I can earn couple of normal years to give to my son, I am happy. Some of us are not lucky enough to find the missing link but I know it is there. Good luck to you. Adela
Thank you for your honesty. I too have tried for many years to treat depression, rage and an eating disorder with supplements, exercise, being prayed over many times, quoting scripture and eating healthy. I still had to go back on the 10mgs. of generic "Prozac" as much as I hated to. I'm almost 47 years old and I've been taking medication off and on for over 17 years now. I hope someday to be completely free of meds but for now it has truly saved my life, my marriage and kept our family together (we have four children at home still). I will continue to search for a more natural alternative and continue taking vitamins, minerals, cod liver oil, etc...but for whatever reason some of us need more than that.