Does taking B12 supplements affect dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Does it lower or raise the quantity?
Can you eat foods to get B12 or is supplements best?
Since b12 is a coenzyme/cofactor it is involved in many processes. Therefore, a overconsumption (usually through supplementation) or deficiency can cause issues that may affect dopamine or Serotonin in some way. In general, b12 is not a nutrient of concern for omnivores i.e non vegan or vegetarian. However, if one were to supplement b12 the most bioavailable form is methylcobalamine.
It doesn’t directly affect serotonin/dopamine (arylalkylamines) as much as glucose metabolism and nervous system repair. Having a b12 deficiency may make b12 euphoric feeling because of the restoration of the physiological function.
Foods rarely have enough bio available b12 for those deficient. Sublingual supplements are generally required for any success.
During early intensive B12 treatment some people experience a drop in potassium levels.
Hypokalemia (low potassium) has occurred during vitamin B12 therapy as a result of increased red blood cell requirements during hematopoiesis. Clinical monitoring and correction of potassium levels prior to and during vitamin B12 therapy is necessary.
Hypokalemia may mimic neurovegetative symptoms, such as weakness, lethargy, apathy, fatigue, and depressed mood (2). Additionally, hypokalemia can mimic anxiety reactions, such as headache, irritability, nervousness, paresthesias, visual disturbances, and muscle discomfort (3).16 Mar 2017
Surprisingly, low levels of potassium can also affect you psychologically: Mental lethargy, depression, mood swings, psychosis, disorientation and confusion are all examples of mental disorders that can manifest.
https://www.livestrong.com/article/250246-the-psychological-effects-of-low-potassium/
You’re always better off getting vitamins from foods and not from supplements. When your body digests nutrients from a natural state, as in found in food, it can synthesize and utilize the nutrients more effectively than trying to derive them out of a supplement. Supplements are synthetic and the human body isn’t made to absorb synthetically rendered vitamins as easily. That’s why supplements have hundreds or thousands of times the amount your body needs. You actually end up expelling most of it.