By Rachel D. Egan, PMHNP-BC

Vitamin B12 is part of our standard panel of lab testing at Harborside because of the profound impacts low levels have on our mental health. Clients with low levels of B12 can experience worsening depression, brain fog, confusion and memory loss.

Risk factors for low B12 include prolonged overuse of alcohol, history of weight loss surgery, diverticulitis, Celiac disease, and any health condition impacting nutrient absorption. Vegetarians and vegans are also at risk because B12 is primarily found in our diet in animal protein sources. If your Vitamin B12 is found to be low, it is easily treatable with supplementation until it is in a good place. You should work with your provider to identify the reason it might have been low and decide whether you can sustain a healthy level with attention to diet, or if you should supplement on an ongoing basis. B12 is best absorbed when it is taken under the tongue (sublingually) or injected. Additionally, the type of B12 used can have an effect; methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin can be somewhat activating and cause that “too much coffee” jigginess; at Harborside we prefer to use hydroxycobalamin whenever possible.