Supplements are often taken to support overall health, but some can have unintended effects on mood and anxiety. Certain vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements may overstimulate the nervous system, disrupt hormone levels, or interfere with neurotransmitter balance, leading to heightened anxiety, restlessness, or even panic-like symptoms. Being mindful of what you take and how your body responds can help you make informed choices to support both your physical and mental well-being.
Naturopathic doctor Dr. Stephanie (@natural.dr.stephanie) recently shared the dangers of certain supplements when it comes to anxiety levels and symptoms. Read on to discover all four supplements and why they can make anxious feelings “worse!”
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1. High-Dose Vitamin B12 (Methylated Form)
Vitamin B12 comes with plenty of benefits; it's often praised for its energy-boosting properties, in particular. However, when taken in high doses—particularly in its methylated form—it could cause spikes in anxiety levels.
"Methylation is great, but too much of a good thing is a bad thing," explains Dr. Stephanie. "When you get over-methylated, you can get insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and really feel like you’re crawling out of your skin. It can be really scary." For those sensitive to these effects, even a small dose of methylated B12 can feel overwhelming, so it's best to practice caution.
2. Organ Supplements or Glandulars
Organ supplements, also known as glandulars, are made from animal organs such as thyroid, adrenal glands, or liver and could come with significant hormonal benefits. However, Dr. Stephanie warns that these supplements can trigger anxiety by raising the level of hormones like cortisol or thyroid hormones in your system.
"They contain thyroid, they can contain cortisol, and these can make you feel really anxious," she explains. When your body's hormones are stimulated in this way, it could mimic the body's stress response, leading to anxiety symptoms.
3. Pre-Workout Supplements
If you hit the gym on a regular basis, you may frequently take pre-workout supplements. Popular in the fitness community, these supplements typically contain energizing ingredients like caffeine and L-arginine, which can increase anxiety levels.
"Caffeine obviously can cause anxiety," says Dr. Stephanie, "but L-arginine, a precursor to nitric oxide, dilates vessels, so you can get heart palpitations, you can get hot, you can feel tingly." These physical sensations can feel similar to a panic attack—so you may be better off avoiding pre-workout if you already struggle with anxiety.
4. Excess Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in brain function and mood regulation, but taking too much can actually make anxiety worse. High doses of vitamin B6 can interfere with the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially increasing feelings of nervousness and anxiety. It's best to stick to the recommended daily amount and avoid mega-doses unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
