Clinical depression can be a serious problem that is beyond the purview of this article. However, other forms of depression, such as seasonal depression stemming from cold, cloudy weather, or periodic spats of doldrums can be rectified through consuming certain vitamins. The tricky thing is that the body doesn’t store most vitamins and that continually ingesting these vitamins are the only way to reap their benefits. Here is a quick overview of several vitamins that can boost your spirits when times are tough. Again, these vitamins should not be used solely for the treatment of clinical depression.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine): This vitamin works by converting glucose from consumed sugar and carbohydrates into energy for the brain. A brain that is low on energy causes irritability, fatigue and depression in most people. Eating an abundance of sugary foods every day often reduces the amount of thiamine in the body quicker so be sure to regulate your diet to take advantage of this vitamin.

Vitamin B3 (niacin): A common psychiatric disorder called Pellagra was identified to be closely linked to a niacin deficiency in the body. However, most food sources are enriched with this vitamin these days in order to counteract this widespread illness, leading to its gradual disappearance. Nevertheless, a body lacking in niacin can lead to anxiety and agitation.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Responsible for regulating amino acids in the body and the brain chemical acetylcholine, lacking this vital vitamin can lead to fatigue, stress and depression. Head off these symptoms by making sure you take a supplement that includes this depression fighting vitamin.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): This vitamin is behind controlling levels of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, vital compounds found in the brain that regulates moods. While this may make pyridoxine seem to be the king of vitamins, a body lacking in this vitamin is extremely rare and is usually only due to an existing ailment or manifests itself in a limited form in alcoholics, people experiencing kidney failure and women on an oral contraceptive. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to depression, mental confusion and a weak immune system.

Vitamin B12: Another highly important vitamin, B12 is behind the creation of red blood cells and regulates the flow of oxygen throughout the body. Lacking B12 is a serious problem and can lead to mood swings, paranoia, irritability, confusion, dementia, hallucinations and mania. Further symptoms include loss of appetite, dizziness, weakness, shortage of breath, heart palpitations and diarrhea. Luckily, of all the vitamins, B12 is one of the few that the body stores. A typical person has three to five years worth of B12 stored in their body and a deficiency of B12 is usually due to an illness or ongoing condition.

Folic acid: While this vitamin is rarely absent in the body, lacking it leads to improper DNA synthesis, impacting fertility and also cell production within the body. Folic acid also contributes to mental health by regulating brain chemistry. A deficiency of folic acid is usually do to alcoholism, drug abuse and poor diet.

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