A recently published study showed that high intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 might reduce the risk of depressive symptoms in older adults.
The study evaluated the dietary intakes and the incidence of depression in 3503 adults who are at least 65 years old.
Using mathematical equation, the investigator found that higher total vitamin intakes including supplements were associated with a lower risk of depression during the 12 years follow-up. The risk of depressive symptoms was 2% lower per year for each additional 10 mg of vitamin B6 and an additional 10 μg of vitamin B12.
This study indicated that high total intakes of vitamins B-6 and B-12 are protective of depressive symptoms in community-residing older adults.
When assessing and treating older adults with depression, clinicians and other healthcare professionals should evaluate the nutritional status and whether patients are vitamin insufficiencies before treatment.
Source: Am J Clin Nutr. Published online June 2, 2010
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