Source: # B vitamins – vitamins *From the book – Chapter 21: Body Chemistry and Mental Health* ## B vitamins - > B12: nerve function, DNA, red cells. Deficiency: depression, anxiety, memory problems, fatigue, neuropathy. Sources: animal products, fortified foods. At risk: vegans, elderly, people with digestive issues. - > B9 (folate): DNA and neurotransmitter production. Deficiency: depression, cognitive impairment, anaemia. Sources: leafy greens, legumes, fortified grains. Important in pregnancy. - > B6: synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, GABA. Deficiency: depression, confusion, weakened immunity. Sources: fish, poultry, potatoes, bananas. - > B1, B2, B3, B5: energy metabolism and brain function. Deficiencies can cause fatigue, depression, cognitive problems. [Read the full chapter – Chapter 21: Body Chemistry and Mental Health](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/chapter/21/) ## Stories from real life - [Tired, Low and Forgetful at Forty](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/tired-low-and-forgetful-at-forty-83/) – Sunita Patil, forty-two, a school teacher in Kolhapur, had been feeling flat for most of a year. She was exhausted by lunchtime, felt cold when others… - [Kabir’s Skipped Meals](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/kabirs-skipped-meals-84/) – Kabir Sheikh, thirty-five, drove a delivery van in Hyderabad. His days ran on tea and biscuits, with a large meal late at night. Lately he had… - [Neha’s Tingling Fingers](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/nehas-tingling-fingers-85/) – Neha Verma, nineteen, was a first-year student living in a hostel in Delhi. She was a strict vegetarian and survived on instant noodles, tea and biscuits.… ## Shloks - [Bhagavad Gita 17.8](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/shloka/bhagavad-gita-17-8-29/) – Foods that increase life, clarity, strength, health, happiness, and love—which are juicy, naturally oily, stable, and agreeable—are dear to the sattvic mind. More on this topic: [The brain, hormones and body chemistry behind your moods](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/topic/brain-and-body/) ## More questions - [Vitamins C and E – vitamins](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/vitamins-c-and-e-vitamins/) - [Understanding minerals – body chemistry and mental health](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/understanding-minerals-body-chemistry-and-mental-health/) - [Understanding amino acids and omega-3 – body chemistry and mental health](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/understanding-amino-acids-and-omega-3-body-chemistry-and-mental-health/) - [Understanding gut–brain axis and inflammation – body chemistry and mental health](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/understanding-gut-brain-axis-and-inflammation-body-chemistry-and-mental-health/) - [Understanding practical recommendations – body chemistry and mental health](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/understanding-practical-recommendations-body-chemistry-and-mental-health/) - [Physical conditions that can look like mental illness – explained simply](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/physical-conditions-that-can-look-like-mental-illness-explained-simply/) - [What is true: thyroid hormone imbalances can cause…?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-is-true-thyroid-hormone-imbalances-can-cause/) - [What is true: blood sugar imbalances can affect…?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-is-true-blood-sugar-imbalances-can-affect/) - [What is true: vitamin D deficiency is linked to…?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-is-true-vitamin-d-deficiency-is-linked-to/) - [What is true: B vitamins (especially B12 and folate) are important for…?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-is-true-b-vitamins-especially-b12-and-folate-are-important-for/) [myadvisorfriend@gmail.com](mailto:myadvisorfriend@gmail.com) · [Contact](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/contact/) · [About](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/about/) · [Privacy](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/privacy/) · [Disclaimer](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/disclaimer/) --- *Psychology for Everyone – A Mental Well Being Series* by Satish Zope · free to read · Contact: [myadvisorfriend@gmail.com](mailto:myadvisorfriend@gmail.com) · [About](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/about/) · [Privacy](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/privacy/) · [Disclaimer](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/disclaimer/)