In December I was diagnosed with a panic disorder. Now I read that vitamin B helps with panic attacks and anxiety, so I take a vitamin B complex. I also take magnesium and fish oil, because that also seems to help with anxiety symptoms. These supplements were not advised by my GP or my psychologist, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt. Only now I read that too much vitamin B6 can have negative consequences. I currently have almost no panic attacks, but I still take the supplements. Would you advise me to stop? And what do you think about magnesium and omega 3?
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Suzan Tuinier, nutritionist
Healthy food affects mood. We do know that some vitamins are good for the mood and keep our mind clear. This applies, for example, to a number of B vitamins and the mineral magnesium. Research also shows that people with a vitamin D deficiency are more likely to suffer from depression. But more research needs to be done to clarify this.
I recommend that you eat healthy and get enough exercise. Then you get all the vitamins and minerals you need. A little extra vitamin D in addition can’t hurt (no more than 20 micrograms per day) and if you’re not a fish eater, you can also take a fish oil supplement.
If you don’t manage to eat healthy every day, you can consider a multivitamin. But don’t take extreme doses. A safe limit of 21 milligrams per day applies to vitamin B6.
Do you also have a question? Then ask one of our experts. Always go to your doctor with urgent questions, the experts are not the right person for that. They also do not diagnose. You can find the other conditions here.
Suzan Tuinier is a nutritionist and coordinator of the Vitamin Information Bureau. She has experience as a nutrition educator and researcher. You can contact Suzan with questions about vitamins and minerals.
