Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 21 Researches
6.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 6 Reviews
8.3
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin)
5,000 mcg
208,330%
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
Decreased fatigue
I felt quite fatigued and depressed until I started taking this supplement; now, I feel much better. I’ve read that EA is beneficial but ensure to buy only from I Herb, not other retailers.
Read More
7.5
Positive taste experience
30 people found this helpful
I’ve tried various forms of vitamin B12 from iHerb, and I've settled on this one. My psychotherapist recommended including this form in my diet to aid in tackling depression, along with magnesium oil. I like it as it comes in a powder form, which I prefer over capsules. The taste is pleasant, although the liquid version discoloured my teeth a bit. I've ordered it again since it’s particularly beneficial during spring avitaminosis. Overall, I’m very pleased!
Read More
7.5
Supports mental health
2 people found this helpful
An essential vitamin for mental well-being. It stabilises the nervous system, reduces cardiovascular disease risk, helps combat depression, and supports healthy hair and nails. All these benefits have proven true.
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 6 Reviews
8.3
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Decreased fatigue
I felt quite fatigued and depressed until I started taking this supplement; now, I feel much better. I’ve read that EA is beneficial but ensure to buy only from I Herb, not other retailers.
Read More
7.5
Positive taste experience
30 people found this helpful
I’ve tried various forms of vitamin B12 from iHerb, and I've settled on this one. My psychotherapist recommended including this form in my diet to aid in tackling depression, along with magnesium oil. I like it as it comes in a powder form, which I prefer over capsules. The taste is pleasant, although the liquid version discoloured my teeth a bit. I've ordered it again since it’s particularly beneficial during spring avitaminosis. Overall, I’m very pleased!
Read More
7.5
Supports mental health
2 people found this helpful
An essential vitamin for mental well-being. It stabilises the nervous system, reduces cardiovascular disease risk, helps combat depression, and supports healthy hair and nails. All these benefits have proven true.
Read More
9
Mood improvement noted
A fantastic product for vegetarians! It’s of high quality and tastes great. As a vegetarian most of the time suffering from severe blood deficiency, I've experienced significant mood improvement, especially regarding my depression. Thank goodness for this supplement!
Read More
7.5
Energising result
These tablets dissolve in the mouth, absorbing quickly with a delightful strawberry taste. If you’re dealing with constant weakness, apathy, or depressive states, B12 can help, as it did for me. I felt less fatigued, started to enjoy life more, and found the motivation to accomplish things, despite having BPD rather than seasonal depression.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Decreased fatigue
I felt quite fatigued and depressed until I started taking this supplement; now, I feel much better. I’ve read that EA is beneficial but ensure to buy only from I Herb, not other retailers.
7.5
Energising result
These tablets dissolve in the mouth, absorbing quickly with a delightful strawberry taste. If you’re dealing with constant weakness, apathy, or depressive states, B12 can help, as it did for me. I felt less fatigued, started to enjoy life more, and found the motivation to accomplish things, despite having BPD rather than seasonal depression.
7.5
Supports mental health
2 people found this helpful
An essential vitamin for mental well-being. It stabilises the nervous system, reduces cardiovascular disease risk, helps combat depression, and supports healthy hair and nails. All these benefits have proven true.
9
Mood improvement noted
A fantastic product for vegetarians! It’s of high quality and tastes great. As a vegetarian most of the time suffering from severe blood deficiency, I've experienced significant mood improvement, especially regarding my depression. Thank goodness for this supplement!
7.5
Positive taste experience
30 people found this helpful
I’ve tried various forms of vitamin B12 from iHerb, and I've settled on this one. My psychotherapist recommended including this form in my diet to aid in tackling depression, along with magnesium oil. I like it as it comes in a powder form, which I prefer over capsules. The taste is pleasant, although the liquid version discoloured my teeth a bit. I've ordered it again since it’s particularly beneficial during spring avitaminosis. Overall, I’m very pleased!
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.
7
B vitamins may reduce depression
We examined the connection between depression and the intake of antioxidants and B vitamins in a large cohort of 14,737 adults. Our analysis revealed that higher consumption of vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, as well as antioxidants, is linked to lower rates of depression.
Women showed a notable relationship between mood improvement and increased intake of vitamins A and C along with B vitamins. While the findings are promising, we must acknowledge potential biases related to diet recall and depression assessment.
Women showed a notable relationship between mood improvement and increased intake of vitamins A and C along with B vitamins. While the findings are promising, we must acknowledge potential biases related to diet recall and depression assessment.
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.
8
We explored the connection between vitamin B12 and depression, focusing on its potential effects on mental health. Utilizing advanced methods like Mendelian randomization and linkage disequilibrium score regression, we aimed to uncover any causal relationships between this essential micronutrient and conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD).
In our analysis, we specifically looked for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to vitamin B12 that could act as instrumental variables. Our findings suggested a significant association between vitamin B12 and MDD, indicating that higher levels of this vitamin might help alleviate depressive symptoms.
Particularly, we observed a notable negative correlation, meaning that as vitamin B12 levels increased, the severity of depressive symptoms tended to decrease. However, while the results are promising, we advocate for further research to fully understand the biological mechanisms connecting vitamin B12 and mental health.
These findings shine a light on the crucial role that micronutrients like vitamin B12 could play in supporting mental well-being, emphasizing the need for more in-depth studies in this area.
In our analysis, we specifically looked for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to vitamin B12 that could act as instrumental variables. Our findings suggested a significant association between vitamin B12 and MDD, indicating that higher levels of this vitamin might help alleviate depressive symptoms.
Particularly, we observed a notable negative correlation, meaning that as vitamin B12 levels increased, the severity of depressive symptoms tended to decrease. However, while the results are promising, we advocate for further research to fully understand the biological mechanisms connecting vitamin B12 and mental health.
These findings shine a light on the crucial role that micronutrients like vitamin B12 could play in supporting mental well-being, emphasizing the need for more in-depth studies in this area.
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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi: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. doi:10.9758/cpn.22.1040
