

In a large review, researchers discovered that vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with a higher risk of depression, but only in older females ( 22) One older study in people with depression and vitamin B12 levels on the low side of normal found that those who received both antidepressants and vitamin B12 were more likely to show improved depressive symptoms, compared to those treated with antidepressants alone ( 21). Therefore, vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to decreased serotonin production, which can cause a depressed mood. However, this vitamin plays a vital role in synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood ( 20). The effect of vitamin B12 on mood is not yet fully understood. May improve mood and symptoms of depression This may help prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration.ĥ. Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 decreases homocysteine levels in your blood.


Ultimately, further studies are needed to fully understand vitamin B12’s role in promoting vision health and preventing macular degeneration. The risk of developing any form of the condition was 34% lower, while it was 41% lower for more severe types ( 19). The group receiving these supplements for seven years had fewer cases of macular degeneration, compared to the placebo group. Researchers believe that supplementing with vitamin B12 may lower levels of homocysteine, a type of amino acid that is found in your bloodstream ( 14, 15, 16).Įlevated homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration ( 17, 18).Ī 2009 study involving 5,000 females aged 40 or older concluded that supplementing with vitamin B12, along with folic acid and vitamin B6, may reduce this risk ( 19). Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 may help prevent the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye disease that mainly affects your central vision ( 13). May reduce your risk of macular degeneration
