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Vitamin B Complex and Mental Health: Role, Benefits, and Sources

By: Andini Aprilia Putri, Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Muhammadiyah University of Malang

MEMOX.CO.ID – Recently there has been a lot of talk about the use of vitamin B complex consumption on social media, especially on platform such as Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok. The content created in the form of a video shows that when consuming vitamin B complex, the person feels the burden on their mind suddenly disappears and gives a feeling of calm after consuming it.

“Who just knew that taking vitamin B complex can relieve stress and reduce depression?” wrote the uploader.

The video has received the attention of many people so far (01/12/2023) the post has been liked by 401.1K viewers. Apart from that, many comments also say that after consuming vitamin B complex, you can sleep soundly.

Mental health is defined as a person’s ability to achieve well-being in his mental aspect. Mental health is an integral part of overall health and is closely related to physical health. Mental disorders that are not treated properly can have a negative impact on overall physical health. Currently, mental health in Indonesia is also in the spotlight of many people with many cases of stress and depression. Additionally, mental disorders involve various forms, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. At a higher level of severity, a person can experience schizophrenia, which makes him have difficulty distinguishing between reality and imagination.

Data from the Indonesian Community Mental Health Index for 2023 in Indonesia found 9,162,866 cases of depression with a prevalence of 3.7%. On the other hand, Indonesia’s population could increase to more than 3 million people per year. References from the Ministry of Health report that around 1 in 5 people in Indonesia experience mental disorders. Taking into account a population of 250 million people, it can be concluded that around 20 percent of this number are at risk of experiencing mental health problems in this country.

Optimal mental health is a crucial factor in living a meaningful and productive life. One aspect that is often forgotten, but has a big influence in maintaining mental health, is the presence of vitamin B complex. In this article, you will explore the role of vitamin B complex in providing support for mental health and well-being.

What is Vitamin B Complex?

Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins consisting of eight different types of B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 ​​(pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 ( folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin). Each B vitamin has a unique role in maintaining optimal body function, including mental health.

The Role of Vitamin B Complex in Mental Health

  • Production Neurotransmitter: Vitamin B complex helps in production neurotransmitter, a brain chemical that regulates mood and behavior. For example, vitamins B6 and B12 play an important role in serotonin production, which can increase mood and reduce stress.
  • Brain Energy Metavolism: Vitamin B participates in glucose metabolism, the brain’s main source of energy. By ensuring adequate energy supply to the brain, B complex vitamins can help improve concentration, memory and focus.
  • Reduced Risk of Mental Disorders: Some research suggests that adequate intake of B complex vitamins may help reduce the risk of several mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Nerve Protection: Vitamin B complex plays a role in maintaining nerve integrity and protecting the central nervous system from damage. This can help prevent neurological disorders that can affect mental health.
  • Food Sources of Vitamin B Complex

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Thiamine has a crucial role in metabolic processes by supporting the conversion of nutrients into energy. Foods that are high in B1 include pork, sunflower seeds and wheat germ.
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Riboflavin helps convert food into an energy source, while also acting as an antioxidant. Foods rich in riboflavin involve offal, beef, and mushrooms.
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Niacin has a role in metabolic processes, as well as in the production and repair of DNA. Food sources containing niacin include chicken, tuna, and lentils.
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): As with other B vitamins, pantothenic acid contributes to obtaining energy from food and participates in the formation of hormones and cholesterol. Foods high in B5 include liver, fish, yogurt and avocado.
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Pyridoxine plays a role in amino acid metabolism, red blood cell formation, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Foods high in vitamin B6 include beans, salmon and potatoes.
  • Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Biotin has a significant role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, as well as regulating gene expression. Yeast, eggs, salmon, cheese, and liver are some of the best food sources containing biotin.
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate): Folate is necessary for cell growth, amino acid metabolism, formation of red and white blood cells, and accurate cell division. This nutrient can be found in foods such as green vegetables, liver, and nuts, or can be taken through supplements in the form of folic acid.
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Vitamin B12 has a crucial role in neurological function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. B12 is naturally found in animal sources such as meat, eggs, seafood and dairy products.
  • Medical Warnings and Consultations

    Before starting vitamin B complex supplements or making significant changes in diet, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. This consultation can help determine the appropriate dosage and ensure that the supplement does not interact with other medications you may be taking.

    Vitamin B complex has a crucial role in supporting mental health. By understanding the role of each B vitamin and ensuring adequate intake through food or supplements, we can provide important support for our mental health. On the journey to achieving optimal mental balance, B complex vitamins can be a valuable ally.

    2023-12-23 07:13:37
    #Viral #Social #Media #Vitamin #Complex #MEMOX.co.id

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