Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the body’s architecture by helping to keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy and helping to make DNA. Most people are not aware of its sizable contribution, however, because they have not developed B12 deficiency. Certain groups are more prone to low levels of B12 than others.
Persecutory delusions are a form of psychosis whereby someone believes others are out to harm them despite evidence to the contrary.
This delusional symptom was also reported in a case study involving a 27-year-old man presented to a neurology clinic in Zambia.
Examination revealed a thin patient responding to auditory and verbal hallucinations who accused the examiner of trying to harm him.
Interestingly, both subjects were supplemented with B12 and their psychiatric symptoms went into remission or improved markedly.
According to the NHS, if your vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a lack of the vitamin in your diet, you may be prescribed vitamin B12 tablets to take every day between meals.
“People who find it difficult to get enough vitamin B12 in their diets, such as those following a vegan diet, may need vitamin B12 tablets for life,” it adds.
Which foods naturally contain B12?
Good sources of vitamin B12 include:
- Meat
- Salmon and cod
- Milk and other dairy products
- Eggs
“If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, or are looking for alternatives to meat and dairy products, there are other foods that contain vitamin B12, such as yeast extract (including Marmite), as well as some fortified breakfast cereals and soy products,” adds the NHS.