By
Martin Kulp
There are several treatments for panic disorder, including breathing and concentration exercises as well as medications. Other options include nutritional supplements such as Vitamin B complex. However, vitamin B supplementation is controversial and unclear as to its effectiveness. Recent published studies of each component of vitamin B complex have shed some light on this supplement.
In a study involving 1,000 patients, those with thiamine, B6, or B12 deficiency were generally more likely to feel anxiety and nervousness, although whether or not supplementation with these vitamins when deficient will help anxiety and panic sufferers has yet to be studied.
A recent study involving 21 panic disorder patients taking 12 grams of inositol, one of the components of B complex, showed a notable decrease in severity and length of panic attacks and agoraphobia compared to the placebo group. There were very few side effects of the inositol supplementation.
Another component of B complex, niacinamide, has been effective in animal studies at reducing aggression and anxiety. Human studies have yet to be performed. Supplementation with niacinamide is generally believed to work best around 500mg per day.
Vitamin B complex does appear to have some connection to anxiety and panic disorder. Inositol, not a true vitamin as the human body can produce it, can be effective in lowering panic attack severity. Niacinamide has shown some ability to control anxiety in animal studies only, and thiamine, B6, and B12 deficiency shows some evidence of a connection with general nervousness.
Although a doctor should always be consulted before beginning any supplementation program in lieu of advised medication, taking a daily vitamin B complex may be one step in the overall treatment plan of panic disorder.
There are several treatments for panic disorder, including breathing and concentration exercises as well as medications. Other options include nutritional supplements such as Vitamin B complex. However, vitamin B supplementation is controversial and unclear as to its effectiveness. Recent published studies of each component of vitamin B complex have shed some light on this supplement.
In a study involving 1,000 patients, those with thiamine, B6, or B12 deficiency were generally more likely to feel anxiety and nervousness, although whether or not supplementation with these vitamins when deficient will help anxiety and panic sufferers has yet to be studied.
A recent study involving 21 panic disorder patients taking 12 grams of inositol, one of the components of B complex, showed a notable decrease in severity and length of panic attacks and agoraphobia compared to the placebo group. There were very few side effects of the inositol supplementation.
Another component of B complex, niacinamide, has been effective in animal studies at reducing aggression and anxiety. Human studies have yet to be performed. Supplementation with niacinamide is generally believed to work best around 500mg per day.
Vitamin B complex does appear to have some connection to anxiety and panic disorder. Inositol, not a true vitamin as the human body can produce it, can be effective in lowering panic attack severity. Niacinamide has shown some ability to control anxiety in animal studies only, and thiamine, B6, and B12 deficiency shows some evidence of a connection with general nervousness.
Although a doctor should always be consulted before beginning any supplementation program in lieu of advised medication, taking a daily vitamin B complex may be one step in the overall treatment plan of panic disorder.