IMPACTS OF VITAMIN D AND B12 ON MENTAL HEALTH QUALITY

Abstract

Depression is a multifactorial mental disorder that affects millions of people and is increasingly associated with nutritional factors. This study aimed to analyze the impacts of vitamins D and B12 on mental health, particularly regarding depression and anxiety. A bibliographic review was conducted between 2020 and 2025 using the PubMed, SciELO, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases, selecting 15 studies that addressed the association between serum levels of these vitamins and psychological well-being indicators. The results indicate that vitamin D acts as a neurosteroid, influencing gene expression and the modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, in addition to exerting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Its deficiency has been associated with increased depressive symptoms, especially in elderly individuals and those with metabolic disorders. Vitamin B12, in turn, is essential for DNA synthesis, maintenance of the myelin sheath, and regulation of homocysteine, whose elevation is related to cognitive dysfunction and the onset of depressive symptoms. Studies suggest that supplementation with these vitamins can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly when used as an adjunct to conventional treatment. It is concluded that adequate levels of vitamins D and B12 are essential for maintaining mental health and should be incorporated into clinical practice as a preventive and therapeutic strategy. However, more standardized clinical studies are needed to establish effective guidelines for dosage and duration of supplementation.