Last Updated on May 17, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that consuming excess vitamin B12 worsen anxiety and depression. The post claims that cyanocobalamin, a form of Vitamin B12, can worsen these conditions. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
A Facebook reel shares the video of a woman stating, “But if you wake up in the morning and you take a multivitamin that has the cheap B12 (cyanocobalamin), and then you pop an Emergen-C packet because you think, ‘I’m going to get some extra vitamin C,’ and then later in the day, you’re like, ‘I’m feeling a little dehydrated. I’m going to pop a Liquid I.V.’ ….. So now you’ve had 100,000% of your daily dose of B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin. You can’t process it. So now your anxiety is worse, your depression is worse. You’re going to start looking at stuff and going, ‘Oh my God, it’s everywhere.’
We have attached the screenshot of the claim below:
Fact Check
How is cyanocobalamin good for health?
Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to prevent and treat low blood levels of Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body needs to function properly. It is involved in several important bodily functions, including:
- Making red blood cells: Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia, which causes fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
- Maintaining a healthy nervous system: Vitamin B12 is also needed to maintain a healthy nervous system. It helps to protect nerve cells and keep them functioning properly. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to nerve damage, which can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, loss of sensation and difficulty walking.
- Metabolism: Vitamin B12 is also involved in metabolism, which is the process by which your body converts food into energy. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue and weight loss.
Can excess Vitamin B12 worsen anxiety and depression?
No. There is no evidence that proves that vitamin B12 worsens anxiety or depression. The NIH website states that Vitamin B12 has not been shown to cause any harm, even at high doses. In fact, some studies have shown that vitamin B12 supplementation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. For example, a study found that vitamin B12 supplementation significantly reduce symptoms of depression in people with a vitamin B12 deficiency. Researchers state that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can contribute to depressive symptoms, and replenishing levels through supplementation or dietary changes can help alleviate those symptoms.
However, it is important to note that vitamin B12 is not a cure for anxiety or depression. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Vitamin B12 supplementation may be a helpful addition to your treatment plan if you are deficient, but it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.
One must consult a healthcare professional who can evaluate the nutritional status, consider any underlying conditions, and guide people on appropriate supplementation or dietary adjustments for optimal mental health.
THIP MEDIA has also previously discussed in detail and debunked Cyanocobalamin, which is the most common form of Vitamin B12, is toxic.
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