Q: I am suffering from chronic depression and some anxiety problems. Some time back I discovered the importance of B12 in helping depression. I daily have a glass of boiled milk. I just discovered that yeast is a good source of B12 but the place I am from (India), no brands of brewers yeast are available. I am not able to find simple yeast which can be added to cakes to make them fluffy. So I want to ask experts here if it is safe to take such simple yeast in water or by adding to milk or yogurt in order to get B12 recommended intake which may be beneficial for my emotional as well as physical health.

A:All the components of vitamin B complex have a role to play in keeping you emotionally balanced. Particularly Vitamin B1 (thiamin), folic acid and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) have significant role in depression and anxiety. Another vitamin which has been implicated in depression is folate or folic acid; it is used in the body to manufacture serotonin, a chemical which regulates our mood. There is no need of mega doses of vitamin B12, since it does not have a major role to play in depression. It will be a good idea to take a supplemental capsule of B complex and a tablet of Folvite 5 mg once a day (since you are a vegetarian). Please also meet up with a specialist - Psychiatrist or Physician who would assess the need for any mood elevating medication.