Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 21 Researches
6.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin)
2,500 mcg
104,167%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We explored the connection between vitamin B levels and depression in older adults over four years. Our study followed nearly 3,850 participants and found that those with low blood levels of vitamin B were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms. Specifically, individuals with low vitamin B had a 51% higher chance of developing depression compared to those with adequate levels.
However, we did not find any significant link between folate levels and depression. These insights suggest that boosting vitamin B might be a simple, cost-effective way to help improve mental health in older adults.
However, we did not find any significant link between folate levels and depression. These insights suggest that boosting vitamin B might be a simple, cost-effective way to help improve mental health in older adults.
Read More
2
We assessed the effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on depressive symptoms by reviewing several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our analysis focused on participants who may experience mild cognitive impairment, an area where low vitamin B12 levels could potentially raise the risk of depression.
After a thorough examination of studies, we found that the included trials did not support a significant benefit of vitamin B12 for alleviating depressive symptoms. In our evaluation of three studies focusing specifically on depression, the average difference in symptoms was negligible, indicating no real effect.
This outcome reflects that while vitamin B12 is essential for various bodily functions, its role in improving mood and reducing depression symptoms may not be as effective as some might hope. Further exploration is still warranted to better understand the contexts in which vitamin B12 could be beneficial.
After a thorough examination of studies, we found that the included trials did not support a significant benefit of vitamin B12 for alleviating depressive symptoms. In our evaluation of three studies focusing specifically on depression, the average difference in symptoms was negligible, indicating no real effect.
This outcome reflects that while vitamin B12 is essential for various bodily functions, its role in improving mood and reducing depression symptoms may not be as effective as some might hope. Further exploration is still warranted to better understand the contexts in which vitamin B12 could be beneficial.
Read More
9.5
We explored the impact of vitamin B12 supplementation on patients experiencing symptoms like depression, fatigue, and neuropathic pain—often linked with rheumatic diseases. Through our review of three case studies, we found that when these patients received vitamin B12 treatment, many of their depressive symptoms significantly improved.
The findings suggest that vitamin B12 may play a crucial role in alleviating not just physical discomfort, but also mental health issues like depression, which can accompany rheumatic conditions. Despite the patients initially presenting normal vitamin B12 levels in lab tests, the supplementation showed almost complete resolution of their symptoms, highlighting that clinical evaluations should not solely depend on blood test results.
In summary, we recommend that healthcare professionals consider assessing vitamin B12 levels early on when diagnosing rheumatic diseases and think about supplementation even if serum levels appear adequate. This approach might offer a straightforward and effective option for improving patients' quality of life.
The findings suggest that vitamin B12 may play a crucial role in alleviating not just physical discomfort, but also mental health issues like depression, which can accompany rheumatic conditions. Despite the patients initially presenting normal vitamin B12 levels in lab tests, the supplementation showed almost complete resolution of their symptoms, highlighting that clinical evaluations should not solely depend on blood test results.
In summary, we recommend that healthcare professionals consider assessing vitamin B12 levels early on when diagnosing rheumatic diseases and think about supplementation even if serum levels appear adequate. This approach might offer a straightforward and effective option for improving patients' quality of life.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Resolved depression
1 people found this helpful
Excellent! B12 is a fantastic product that I take alongside folic acid and I'm now fine with depression. I would 100% recommend it. The quality and price are great. It has a pleasant raspberry flavour and aroma. The small pills are easy to swallow. Many thanks to the iHerb team.
Read More
9
Whole-body improvement
I have been taking this for five years! The improvement encompasses my entire body. I recommend it for depression and body aches!
Read More
6
Improved socialising
6 people found this helpful
For depression and social anxiety, I drink it for both; it doesn't work miracles, but I've been able to chat a little more online with others, which I couldn't do before. I'm also writing here for everyone, hehe. It tastes good. It doesn't work alone, so I take it with other support and I've been getting better. Thank you!
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 21 Researches
6.9
- All Researches
9.5
We explored the impact of vitamin B12 supplementation on patients experiencing symptoms like depression, fatigue, and neuropathic pain—often linked with rheumatic diseases. Through our review of three case studies, we found that when these patients received vitamin B12 treatment, many of their depressive symptoms significantly improved.
The findings suggest that vitamin B12 may play a crucial role in alleviating not just physical discomfort, but also mental health issues like depression, which can accompany rheumatic conditions. Despite the patients initially presenting normal vitamin B12 levels in lab tests, the supplementation showed almost complete resolution of their symptoms, highlighting that clinical evaluations should not solely depend on blood test results.
In summary, we recommend that healthcare professionals consider assessing vitamin B12 levels early on when diagnosing rheumatic diseases and think about supplementation even if serum levels appear adequate. This approach might offer a straightforward and effective option for improving patients' quality of life.
The findings suggest that vitamin B12 may play a crucial role in alleviating not just physical discomfort, but also mental health issues like depression, which can accompany rheumatic conditions. Despite the patients initially presenting normal vitamin B12 levels in lab tests, the supplementation showed almost complete resolution of their symptoms, highlighting that clinical evaluations should not solely depend on blood test results.
In summary, we recommend that healthcare professionals consider assessing vitamin B12 levels early on when diagnosing rheumatic diseases and think about supplementation even if serum levels appear adequate. This approach might offer a straightforward and effective option for improving patients' quality of life.
Read More
9
We explored the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and major depressive disorder (MDD) by examining serum vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), and blood profiles in 59 patients diagnosed with MDD. The severity of depression was evaluated using the HAM-D scale, which allows for a clear understanding of how vitamin B12 might be linked to depressive symptoms.
Our findings revealed that vitamin B12 was deficient or depleted in all patients. The average level of serum vitamin B12 was significantly lower in those experiencing severe depression. Furthermore, we observed that the mean Hcy level was high among the participants, compared to normal reference ranges. Interestingly, we noted that patients who included non-vegetarian foods in their diet had higher median levels of vitamin B12.
Overall, our results indicate that there’s a notable correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and the severity of MDD. Hcy levels were also elevated in these patients. Importantly, the study highlighted that depressive symptoms might appear before the more recognized blood-related manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. Thus, our observations suggest that addressing vitamin B12 status could be relevant in managing depressive disorders.
Our findings revealed that vitamin B12 was deficient or depleted in all patients. The average level of serum vitamin B12 was significantly lower in those experiencing severe depression. Furthermore, we observed that the mean Hcy level was high among the participants, compared to normal reference ranges. Interestingly, we noted that patients who included non-vegetarian foods in their diet had higher median levels of vitamin B12.
Overall, our results indicate that there’s a notable correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and the severity of MDD. Hcy levels were also elevated in these patients. Importantly, the study highlighted that depressive symptoms might appear before the more recognized blood-related manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. Thus, our observations suggest that addressing vitamin B12 status could be relevant in managing depressive disorders.
Read More
8
We looked into how Vitamin B could change behaviors and brain chemistry in rats experiencing depression-like symptoms. Rats were split into groups to compare a control group, one exposed to chronic mild stress, and a group receiving Vitamin B injections.
Results showed that Vitamin B helped boost levels of key neurotransmitters associated with mood, reducing anxiety and depressive behaviors. It also positively impacted brain cell health by activating important signaling pathways.
Overall, Vitamin B appears promising in helping to combat depression-related issues in this rat model.
Results showed that Vitamin B helped boost levels of key neurotransmitters associated with mood, reducing anxiety and depressive behaviors. It also positively impacted brain cell health by activating important signaling pathways.
Overall, Vitamin B appears promising in helping to combat depression-related issues in this rat model.
Read More
8
We explored how vitamin B12 influences stress resilience and depression using sophisticated methods in a mouse model. Our findings linked vitamin B12 supplementation to changes in a gene called Ttr, which plays a role in managing stress.
Interestingly, we noticed that vitamin B12 reduced genetic markers associated with stress in specific areas of the brain. This important discovery encourages further research into how dietary changes might help improve mood disorders.
Interestingly, we noticed that vitamin B12 reduced genetic markers associated with stress in specific areas of the brain. This important discovery encourages further research into how dietary changes might help improve mood disorders.
Read More
8
We explored the connection between vitamin B levels and depression in older adults over four years. Our study followed nearly 3,850 participants and found that those with low blood levels of vitamin B were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms. Specifically, individuals with low vitamin B had a 51% higher chance of developing depression compared to those with adequate levels.
However, we did not find any significant link between folate levels and depression. These insights suggest that boosting vitamin B might be a simple, cost-effective way to help improve mental health in older adults.
However, we did not find any significant link between folate levels and depression. These insights suggest that boosting vitamin B might be a simple, cost-effective way to help improve mental health in older adults.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.1
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Resolved depression
1 people found this helpful
Excellent! B12 is a fantastic product that I take alongside folic acid and I'm now fine with depression. I would 100% recommend it. The quality and price are great. It has a pleasant raspberry flavour and aroma. The small pills are easy to swallow. Many thanks to the iHerb team.
Read More
9
Whole-body improvement
I have been taking this for five years! The improvement encompasses my entire body. I recommend it for depression and body aches!
Read More
6
Improved socialising
6 people found this helpful
For depression and social anxiety, I drink it for both; it doesn't work miracles, but I've been able to chat a little more online with others, which I couldn't do before. I'm also writing here for everyone, hehe. It tastes good. It doesn't work alone, so I take it with other support and I've been getting better. Thank you!
Read More
8.5
Mood enhancement
1 people found this helpful
A great supplement! This vitamin is crucial for many processes; after taking it for 3-4 weeks, it helps me cope with depression and enhances my mood. It aids the nervous system and regulates metabolism. Very important for vegans—if you don't consume animal products, you must take cyanocobalamin throughout life to avoid health issues.
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8
Path to recovery
1 people found this helpful
This product is a saviour. After 23 years of alcohol addiction, I quit a year and a half ago but suffered from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. I now use this supplement with others and Prozac, greatly benefiting my recovery. Thank you for this wonderful product!
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
8.5
Mood enhancement
1 people found this helpful
A great supplement! This vitamin is crucial for many processes; after taking it for 3-4 weeks, it helps me cope with depression and enhances my mood. It aids the nervous system and regulates metabolism. Very important for vegans—if you don't consume animal products, you must take cyanocobalamin throughout life to avoid health issues.
9
Whole-body improvement
I have been taking this for five years! The improvement encompasses my entire body. I recommend it for depression and body aches!
6
Improved socialising
6 people found this helpful
For depression and social anxiety, I drink it for both; it doesn't work miracles, but I've been able to chat a little more online with others, which I couldn't do before. I'm also writing here for everyone, hehe. It tastes good. It doesn't work alone, so I take it with other support and I've been getting better. Thank you!
8
Path to recovery
1 people found this helpful
This product is a saviour. After 23 years of alcohol addiction, I quit a year and a half ago but suffered from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. I now use this supplement with others and Prozac, greatly benefiting my recovery. Thank you for this wonderful product!
7.5
Sleep improvement
1 people found this helpful
I highly recommend this B12; it significantly improves sleep, reduces the risks of depression, and supports good blood and cardiovascular function, among other benefits.
9
Resolved depression
1 people found this helpful
Excellent! B12 is a fantastic product that I take alongside folic acid and I'm now fine with depression. I would 100% recommend it. The quality and price are great. It has a pleasant raspberry flavour and aroma. The small pills are easy to swallow. Many thanks to the iHerb team.
6
Reduced symptoms
This helps me reduce symptoms of depression, though the B12 content is in small amounts (mcg). The quality is acceptable, and the size is fine.
8
We looked into how Vitamin B could change behaviors and brain chemistry in rats experiencing depression-like symptoms. Rats were split into groups to compare a control group, one exposed to chronic mild stress, and a group receiving Vitamin B injections.
Results showed that Vitamin B helped boost levels of key neurotransmitters associated with mood, reducing anxiety and depressive behaviors. It also positively impacted brain cell health by activating important signaling pathways.
Overall, Vitamin B appears promising in helping to combat depression-related issues in this rat model.
Results showed that Vitamin B helped boost levels of key neurotransmitters associated with mood, reducing anxiety and depressive behaviors. It also positively impacted brain cell health by activating important signaling pathways.
Overall, Vitamin B appears promising in helping to combat depression-related issues in this rat model.
8
We explored the connection between vitamin B levels and depression in older adults over four years. Our study followed nearly 3,850 participants and found that those with low blood levels of vitamin B were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms. Specifically, individuals with low vitamin B had a 51% higher chance of developing depression compared to those with adequate levels.
However, we did not find any significant link between folate levels and depression. These insights suggest that boosting vitamin B might be a simple, cost-effective way to help improve mental health in older adults.
However, we did not find any significant link between folate levels and depression. These insights suggest that boosting vitamin B might be a simple, cost-effective way to help improve mental health in older adults.
4
We reviewed several studies that looked into how vitamin B12 supplementation might help with depression and mental health issues. By systematically searching major databases, we identified a total of 287 articles and selected five that rigorously assessed the effects of B12 alone and alongside other B vitamins like folic acid and B6.
The results were mixed, showing that while some groups benefited from these vitamins, overall evidence was inconclusive. Notably, some studies indicated that combining vitamin B12 with folic acid and B6 could effectively prevent post-stroke depression. However, many trials examined specific populations, highlighting that B12 may be especially helpful for certain high-risk groups rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
In conclusion, while the findings are promising for some, we need more research to determine how vitamin B12 supplementation could be beneficial for broader mental health improvement. Overall, vitamin B12’s role in treating depression is still a topic that requires further exploration.
The results were mixed, showing that while some groups benefited from these vitamins, overall evidence was inconclusive. Notably, some studies indicated that combining vitamin B12 with folic acid and B6 could effectively prevent post-stroke depression. However, many trials examined specific populations, highlighting that B12 may be especially helpful for certain high-risk groups rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
In conclusion, while the findings are promising for some, we need more research to determine how vitamin B12 supplementation could be beneficial for broader mental health improvement. Overall, vitamin B12’s role in treating depression is still a topic that requires further exploration.
References
- Chen J, Liu J, Zhang P, Zhang S. [Effects of Vitamin B on Behaviors, Brain Monoamine Neurotransmitters, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Depressive Rats]. Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2025;56:206. 10.12182/20250160608
- Stein G, Aly JS, Manzolillo A, Lange L, Riege K, et al. Transthyretin Orchestrates Vitamin B12-Induced Stress Resilience. Biol Psychiatry. 2025;97:54. 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.07.009
- Lagzi N, Bateni A, Goli R, Talebiazar N. The effect of multivitamins on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2023;58:576. 10.1177/00912174231179320
- Laird EJ, O'Halloran AM, Molloy AM, Healy M, Hernandez B, et al. Low vitamin B but not folate is associated with incident depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study. Br J Nutr. 2023;130:268. 10.1017/S0007114521004748
- Ferriani LO, Silva DA, Molina MDCB, Mill JG, Brunoni AR, et al. Associations of depression and intake of antioxidants and vitamin B complex: Results of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). J Affect Disord. 2022;297:259. 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.027
- Wu Y, Li S, Wang W, Zhang D. Associations of dietary B vitamins intakes with depression in adults. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2023;93:142. 10.1024/0300-9831/a000720
- Wu Y, Zhang L, Li S, Zhang D. Associations of dietary vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 with the risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2022;80:351. 10.1093/nutrit/nuab014
- Dhiman P, Pillai RR, Wilson AB, Premkumar N, Bharadwaj B, et al. Cross-sectional association between vitamin B12 status and probable postpartum depression in Indian women. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2021;21:146. 10.1186/s12884-021-03622-x
- Bou Khalil R, Atallah E, Dirani E, Kallab M, Kassab A, et al. Can atypical dysgeusia in depression be related to a deafferentation syndrome?. Med Hypotheses. 2020;144:110047. 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110047
- Trautmann C, Bock A, Urbach A, Hübner CA, Engmann O. Acute vitamin B12 supplementation evokes antidepressant response and alters Ntrk-2. Neuropharmacology. 2020;171:108112. 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108112
- Esnafoglu E, Ozturan DD. The relationship of severity of depression with homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels in children and adolescents. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2020;25:249. 10.1111/camh.12387
- Lv P, Xiang F, Zhang S, Lei D, Zhou C, et al. Valeriana jatamansi jones improves depressive behavior in CUMS mice by modulating vitamin B12-related ileal homeostasis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2025;342:119392. 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119392
- Alzahrani H. Assessment of Vitamin B12 Efficacy on Cognitive Memory Function and Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2024;16:e73350. 10.7759/cureus.73350
- Zhang J, Liao Q, Chen H, Liu F, Sun D, et al. Association of Vitamin B12 and Polymorphism of with Early-Onset Post-Stroke Depression. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2024;20:2289. 10.2147/NDT.S480417
- Hui J, Zhang N, Kang M, Gou Y, Liu C, et al. Micronutrient-Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Mental Health: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16132042
- Harikaran S, Basu S, Mukherjee MP, Kar R, Nair S, et al. Vitamin B12 and homocysteine in patients with major depressive disorder. J Family Med Prim Care. 2024;13:2049. 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1460_23
- Gao Y, Yang J, Sun H, Zhou H. Efficacy of Danzhixiaoyao tablets combined with methylcobalamin tablets in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: an open-label, randomized controlled trial. BMC Oral Health. 2024;24:603. 10.1186/s12903-024-04318-2
- Cruz-Rodríguez J, Canals-Sans J, Hernández-Martínez C, Arija V. Association between of vitamin B12 status during pregnancy and probable postpartum depression: the ECLIPSES study. J Reprod Infant Psychol. 2024. 10.1080/02646838.2024.2324043
- Reis da Silva T. Can supplementing vitamin B12 improve mental health outcomes?: a literature review. Br J Community Nurs. 2024;29:137. 10.12968/bjcn.2024.29.3.137
- Dułak NA, Rytlewska M, Jaskólska M, Chmielewski M. A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review. Rheumatol Int. 2024;44:737. 10.1007/s00296-024-05539-y
- Tan Y, Zhou L, Gu K, Xie C, Wang Y, et al. Correlation between Vitamin B12 and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2023;21:617. 10.9758/cpn.22.1040
