- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin, board certified in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, is a St. Louis native looking to the Internet as a way to help people improve their health and be more active participants in their own health care by learning from Mayo Clinic's experts.
Dr. Hall-Flavin has been a member of the faculties of Cornell University Medical College, New York Medical College, and The George Washington University Medical School before joining the Mayo Clinic staff in 1996. He has special interests in adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and psychogenomics. He has served as medical director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence from 1986 to 1999.
"With the advent of the genomics and proteomics revolution and the pace of advances in medicine, informed collaborative relationships between knowledgeable, capable health professionals and informed, proactive individuals and their families are more vital than ever," he said.
"I'm optimistic that our Internet health education activities will contribute to ever-improving health outcomes for all who participate and apply what is learned."
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Question
Vitamin B-12 and depression: Are they related?
What is the relationship between vitamin B-12 and depression?
Answer
from Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Doctors have long known of the relationship between low levels of vitamin B-12 and depression. Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins, such as folate, play a role in the production of certain brain chemicals that are important in regulating mood and other brain functions.
However, it's less clear whether vitamin B-12 deficiency may be the cause or the result of depression. Poor nutrition is one cause of vitamin B-12 deficiency. But poor nutrition may also be a consequence of depression. People who are depressed may lose interest in eating or make less healthy food choices, which may lead to vitamin B-12 deficiency.
When you're depressed, it's important to try to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes sources of essential nutrients, including B vitamins. Vitamin B-12 is plentiful in animal products such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs and milk. Fortified breakfast cereals also are a good source of B-12 and other B vitamins.
Especially if you're older than 50 or you're a vegetarian, taking a daily supplement that includes vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins may be helpful in making sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Talk to your doctor about whether to take a vitamin supplement.
When talking to your doctor about depression, keep in mind that it's important for him or her to address any underlying physical conditions that might play a part in your depression. Examples include vitamin deficiency, thyroid disease and certain types of anemia. Treating these underlying conditions may improve your mood. If you're still depressed after successful treatment of the underlying condition, your doctor may recommend treatments for depression which include antidepressants and psychological counseling.
Next questionDepression and anxiety: Can I have both?
- Schneider C, et al. Depression. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/116618425-3/792001716/1494/56.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50013-2--cesec12_182. Accessed Jan. 5, 2009.
- Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin B12. National Institutes of Health. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminB12.asp#h11. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
