The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently published results of a study aimed at older adults and their consumption of vitamins B6 and B12. The study revealed that depression was more likely to be found in adults with the lowest intake of the B vitamins. However, for each additional 10 mg of vitamin B6 or Vitamin B12 the adults consumed, the risk of developing depression in a given year decreased by two percent.
In a separate study, reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) women with low levels of folate (vitamin B9) were more likely to be depressed. In the same study, men with low levels of folate did not show an increased likelihood of depression. This same USDA study found that low levels of folate were linked to symptoms of dementia and cognitive decline in men and women.
Vegetables, meat, nuts and whole grain products are good sources for Vitamin B6. Meat, poultry, fish and dairy products contain Vitamin B12. For Folate intake try leafy green vegetables and legumes….Duke Medicine Health News Volume 11G
