Earlier this month, researchers at the University of Western Australia published an article in Preventive Medicine regarding the connection between adolescent mental health and low B-vitamin intake.
Researchers analyzed a year’s diet of 835 17-year-old participants specifically for relative vitamin B intake. They also used the Youth Self Report to assess mental health and behaviour. What they found was an apparent association between vitamin B intake and emotional or mental health problems.
The research showed a significant association between low intake of B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and folate and an increase in externalising behaviours, things like risk of offending and substance abuse.
In addition, low intake of B6 and folate were associated with more internalising behaviours, such as depression and anxiety.
Researchers concluded that they did not prove causality between intake and behaviour, but there did seem to be significant association between the two and that this association warranted more studies.
This is encouraging and supports the ever-growing body of research connecting nutrition and mental health. For other research on the topic, visit these past blog posts:
- Is the Western diet affecting our mental health?
- Healthy diets can strengthen mental health
- Fast food can increase depression risk
- Nutrient Intake and ADHD
- Bacteria can improve your mental health
- Fish oil can improve your mental health
- Chinese food lowers risk of depression and anxiety
- Nutrient intake improves mental well-being
Also, did you know that EMPowerplus, our flagship product of 36 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, contains the full B-vitamin complex?