Believe it or not, around 40 million adults in the US experience anxiety on a yearly basis. Unfortunately, despite the dedication of scientists and research to have a better understanding of this condition, the major reason for this condition remains unclear.
Anxiety is characterized by restlessness and nervousness, as well as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, hyperventilation, excessive worry, trouble concentrating, etc. All of these symptoms may negatively affect different areas of a person’s life.
Some of the possible causes for anxiety are brain chemistry, genetics, environmental factors, and medical factors or an illness. But, nothing has been definitely proven and scientists continue researching in hopes of finding an answer.
One such research, that is, a Japanese study, may have found something important when it comes to the connection between anxiety and vitamin deficiencies. Continue reading the article to learn more details about this study…
Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Anxiety?
According to the Japanese study, low levels of iron and vitamin B6 may cause the brain changes leading to panic attacks, hyperventilation, and other anxiety forms.
For the purposes of the study, the team analyzed the nutritional levels of 21 participants with different levels of panic attacks, hyperventilation, and anxiety. Their hope was to identify a pattern by testing nutritional deficiencies and other abnormalities.
They also did tests in the control group and then compared the results from the two different groups.
What Did the Study Show?
The researchers concluded that the people who experienced anxiety also had lower levels of vitamin B6 and iron than the individuals in the healthy group. This may support theories claiming that anxiety may be triggered by a chemical imbalance in the brain where serotonin plays a major role.
Why is serotonin so important? – Because it is known as the happiness hormone which activates the pleasure and reward systems in our brain. It is synthesized from tryptophan, an amino acid, and iron and vitamin B6 participate in this process.
When there is lack of these nutrients, the serotonin levels automatically decrease. Interestingly, many antidepressant medications today are based on the process of elevating the serotonin levels and better the mental health.
Sources:
