Vitamins for Depression and Overall Health and Well-Being

While causes and treatments of depression can vary, could there be vitamins for depression? There are definitely links between vitamin deficiencies and depression, so ensuring proper intake of important vitamins and minerals could likely be a great treatment option!

The chart below outlines many important vitamins and minerals, their benefits, as well as symptoms that our bodies may develop if we are not getting enough of them. Vitamins are the fuel for our overall health and there are specific vitamins for depression treatment options.

Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	Vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine, is 1 of many important vitamins for depression. The body uses Vitamin B1 to convert glucose (blood sugar) into fuel. When we don’t get enough thiamine then our brains quickly run out of energy. This can lead to depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and even thoughts of suicide. Consuming refined carbohydrates – such as simple sugars – can drain the body’s Vitamin B1 supply. Learn more about B vitamins and depression.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, promotes healthy skin, hair, nails; aids in the production of red blood cells; helps breakdown fat, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy production; supports normal function of the nervous system and adrenal glands. A deficiency can cause symptoms of depression .
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. It helps lower the level of bad cholesterol and can elevate the level of good cholesterol. Vitamin B3 also reduces the risk of Alzheimers disease, cataracts, osteoarthritis, and type-1 diabetes as well as supports a healthy nervous and digestive system. Deficiency symptoms include depression, disorientation, and memory loss.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, aids in metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to produce energy; improves our ability to deal with stress by supporting the adrenal glands; helps with adequate production of healthy fats in our cells, needed for hormone formation and the uptake of amino acids and the brain chemical acetylcholine, which combine to prevent certain types of depression. Symptoms of deficiency are fatigue, chronic stress, and depression.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is another 1 of the important vitamins for depression as it aids in the processing of amino acids needed in the manufacture of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Deficiency symptoms include irritability, depression, and confusion.
Vitamin B12	Vitamin B12 supports production of red blood cells and prevents anemia; allows proper development of nerve cells; and helps metabolize foods. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to Pernicious Anemia, which can lead to mood swings, paranoia, and irritability.
Biotin	Biotin aids in the utilization of protein, and supports healthy skin. Deficiency symptoms include depression, extreme fatigue, and skin disorders.
Vitamin C	In addition to being an antioxidant that helps fight off free radicals, Vitamin C is also a contributor in cell growth and tissue repair. Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency may include fatigue, mood changes, weight loss, infections, dry hair and skin, and dental conditions.
Vitamin D	Vitamin D is important for healthy bones, cell growth, and immune system function, however recent interest has developed in studying Vitamin D as 1 of the vitamins for depression. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency may include muscle pain, issues with bones including fractures, symptoms of depression and mood swings, fatigue, and lowered immunity.