Can Severe Anxiety Lead To Vitamin D Deficiency?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2022

Question: Hi Dr. Seikhoo,

this is XXXXXXX again. I asked you a question regarding my anxiety and i recently had a complete blood test which includes Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D Test. All other blood tests are normal. but my Vitamin D test results showed as 6.9 which showed as Vitamin D Deficiency and Vitamin B12 is 400 (range 200 to 900 ).I just want to check with you if my sever underlying anxiety as you mentioned caused due vitamin D Deficiency as i had never tested vitamin d levels before.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, these could be contributing factors.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your Vitamin D levels are low and also the B12 levels are in low normal range. These could become contributing factors for anxiety symptoms. In such situation its better to start with vitamin D supplements (preferably 60000IU per week for 4 weeks then once every two weeks for 8 weeks and then once per month for 12 weeks), B12 around 500 mcg of Methylcobalamine for around 6 weeks. This will help in normalizing the anxiety and you will feel better.

Please don't hesitate to ask for more doubts.

Thanks and Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Thanks for the response.

What are the normal range for b12 and d?

Actually I received abroad job offer but some how I feel tensed like thinking what would happen to me after going there?

If I take these supplements will I feel better or do I need to go to physicatrist also

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Less than 12 of Vitamin D are deficient

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Though the range varies in labs but in general for Vitamin D levels less than 10-12 are considered as inadequate or deficient.

The Vitamin B12 range you have mentioned already but your levels are in low normal range. Taking supplements will definitely help you.

For now you can try supplements and anxiety should improve.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

preferably 60000IU per week for 4 weeks

This means like One tablet per week for 4weeks ?

then once every two weeks for 8 weeks

1 tablet every two weeks for 8 weeks?

and then once per month for 12 weeks.

Monthly 1 tablet for 12 weeks.

B12 around 500 mcg of Methylcobalamine for around 6 weeks.

B12 Daily once for 6 weeks?

Are there any side effects taking these?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The supplement are safe.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Yes exactly.

The supplements are safe, no serious side effects are there. Avoid taking the supplement for long time.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (19 hours later)

Hello,

So after completing above dosage no need of taking supplements further then as you mentioned avoid taking supplements for long time.

Regarding diet should I take daily 2boiled eggs and twice chicken per week any other specific diet I should follow?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take Salmon or Sardine fish more in diet.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

No, I advise you to get repeat levels done after may be 6 months. Stop taking supplements after 3 months.

You should take milk and curd in diet. Eggs and animal food you are already taking. Take walnuts in diet. Salmon or Sardine fish will also help you a lot.

Thanks.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar