Vitamin B12 helps the body build and maintain brain cells. When its levels are low, several concerning symptoms can occur, although the signs "may initially be subtle." According to health specialists at the Mayo Clinic: "Vitamin deficiency-related anemia usually develops slowly over several months to years. The signs and symptoms may be subtle at first but typically increase as the deficiency worsens." Among the symptoms noted by health professionals in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency are psychological issues. Specifically, many medical reports describe individuals experiencing "psychotic traits," also known as psychosis. Mental disorders are issues that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior, with depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia being examples of such disorders.
A study published in the journal European Psychiatry concluded that psychological disorders resulting from vitamin deficiencies are "more common" in elderly patients showing symptoms, at nearly 10% to 20%. The study reported on a 52-year-old man who exhibited psychotic traits, including persecutory delusions and tactile and auditory hallucinations. Another case report published on PubMed described a patient whose "main complaints were" irritability, regressive behavior, indifference, crying, and school absenteeism, lasting for a year. Fortunately, these issues can be quickly resolved upon obtaining the required amount of vitamin B12, although not all cases are similar. The 52-year-old man in the study was treated with antipsychotics and injected with vitamin B12. Researchers noted: "After one week, there was complete resolution of the psychotic symptoms. In the follow-up during the subsequent four months, the psychological symptoms did not recur at any time."
One of the best ways to avoid problems stemming from vitamin deficiencies is to consume a variety of foods, including those rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid. The Mayo Clinic identifies the following foods as "rich" in vitamin B12:
- Beef, liver, chicken, and fish
- Eggs
- Fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals
- Milk, cheese, and yogurt
A wealth of folic acid can be found in broccoli, spinach, asparagus, and beans. Many fruits, including oranges, lemons, bananas, strawberries, and watermelon, are also good sources of folic acid. Foods rich in grains such as bread, cereals, pasta, and rice can help too, as well as foods like liver, kidneys, yeast, mushrooms, and peanuts. According to the National Health Service (NHS), adults aged 19 to 64 need approximately 1.5 micrograms a day. It is worth noting that other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which may appear alongside psychological issues, include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, weight loss, and irregular heartbeat.
