Three micronutrient deficiencies linked to anxiety & depression

According to the US National Institutes of Health, up to one-third of US adults experience anxiety disorders, and about 10% of the population experiences symptoms of depression.

Factors such as time of year, social circumstances, life situations, and genetic predisposition can affect psychological functioning. But like many other conditions, anxiety and depression are caused by many factors.

Whether balanced or not, a daily diet impacts biological blood markers and symptoms related to anxiety and depression. When there are symptoms such as anxiety and depression, the regular control of the various indicators in the blood can help in the early discovery and replenishment of the lack of specific micronutrients.

B vitamins

The B vitamin complex includes eight water-soluble vitamins participating in multiple bodily functions. They act as coenzymes and convert food into energy, which is used for DNA/RNA synthesis and production, methylation, and the synthesis of numerous neurochemicals and signaling molecules that affect the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine.

According to scientific research, the top nutrients involved in brain function are the B vitaminssuch as folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. Adequate levels of all three vitamins are required for optimal physiological and neurological function.

Also, higher vitamin B12 levels in the blood are significantly associated with a greater likelihood of recovery from depressive symptoms. Most B vitamins are present in plants, vegetables, fruits, and grains.

The richest sources of B vitamins are leafy green vegetables, seeds, legumes, and whole grains, except for vitamin B12, found in animal sources such as seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.

The gut microbiome, when functioning normally, actively participates in the production of B vitamins and in supporting their normal blood levels.

In people such as athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, or in people who have problems with digestion, absorption, or problems with the normal functioning of the gut and the microbiome, it may be necessary to take a food supplement that contains a complex of B vitamins in an active form.

A deficiency of B vitamins can cause symptoms such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Excessive exhaustion
• Irritability
• Strong heartbeats
• Headaches

The primary deficiency of B vitamins is usually found in folate or vitamin B12. The nutritional supplement B-Complex Active contains the vitamins of the B complex in active form, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin, folic acid, alfa alfa powder, choline, inositol and PABA.

B vitamins are best absorbed when taken together as a complex and are essential for hormone balance and energy production and help the body cope with fatigue.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D also plays a role in the onset of depression as there are vitamin D receptors in the prefrontal and cingulate cortex, two brain areas that regulate mood. According to scientists, depression is a condition in which the body has increased levels of inflammation.

Vitamin D is associated with depression and inflammation, driven by immune-regulatory pathways. Vitamin D regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which regulates epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine production and protects against dopamine and serotonin depletion.

For all these reasons, it is vital to maintain normal vitamin D levels in the blood. The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, but protecting the skin from harmful rays may be more critical. At the same time, because vitamin D3 is produced superficially in the skin and takes several hours to be absorbed, usually what is produced by sunbathing is washed off with the shower.

For this reason, even in Mediterranean countries, most of the population is vitamin D deficient. Pure D3 nutritional supplement contains all the beneficial power of the sun in one drop of liquid vitamin D3 in its active form, with 2000IU per drop. It has natural orange extract, coconut oil and a pleasant taste.

The form of vitamin D3 chosen is provitamin 25(OH)D3, the safest and most absorbable form of vitamin D, the one produced in the body by sun exposure and activated in the body only when you need it; for this reason, it is particularly effective compared to other forms of vitamin D.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Fatty acids are abundant in the brain and are associated with cognitive function. In addition, they help maintain structure and function since they act as a protective barrier for each cell. Fatty acids are essential for cellular transport and energy storage and function as signaling molecules.

Symptoms of an omega-3 deficiency include fatigue, memory problems, dry skin, palpitations, mood swings and poor blood circulation. Nutritional deficiencies and lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of developing neurological disorders.

Some research shows reduced concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells in people with depression, and extensive epidemiological studies have shown associations between reduced fish consumption and depression.

These findings suggest that optimizing blood omega-3 levels positively affects mood and behavior. Natural Doctor's Clear Omega 3 nutritional supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids from sustainably sourced Peruvian anchovies free from heavy metals with a balanced ratio of EPA, DHA and vitamin E.