The Relationship Between Vitamin B12 and Student Mental Health<br />Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, plays a crucial role in brain function and overall mental well-being. It is essential for the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and neurological function. Deficiency in B12 can lead to cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and poor academic performance, making it particularly relevant for students.<br />How Vitamin B12 Affects Mental Health<br />-Cognitive Function and Memory :Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining healthy nerve cells and producing myelin, a protective layer around nerves.and deficiency can cause memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and reduced cognitive performance, which can negatively impact a student’s ability to learn and retain information.<br />-Mood Regulation and Emotional Stability:B12 helps in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and emotionsa and low levels of B12 are linked to depression, anxiety, and irritability—common mental health challenges among students facing academic pressure.<br />-Energy Levels and Fatigue:B12 plays a key role in converting food into energy. A deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, and low motivation, making it harder for students to stay engaged and productive.<br />-Stress and Mental Resilience : Stress is a common issue for students, and B12 helps in reducing stress levels by supporting the nervous system.and it aids in producing stress-regulating hormones, helping students cope better with academic and social pressures.<br /><br />Signs of B12 Deficiency in Students :Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness ,Chronic fatigue and low energy,Anxiety, depression, or mood swings ,Sleep disturbances andNumbness or tingling in hands and feet.<br />Sources of Vitamin B12:Since B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods, students should ensure they get enough from sources like:Meat (beef, chicken),Fish (salmon, tuna),Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt),Eggs,Fortified foods (cereals, plant-based milk)and Supplements (for vegetarians and vegans).<br /><br />AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq<br />