Low vitamin B12 and folic acid levels, along with increased homocysteine, may play a role in depression among children and adolescents.

Both vitamin B12 and folate have previously been described as antidepressant nutrients; folate is found in dark leafy greens like spinach and avocados while vitamin B12 is found only in animal foods such as grass fed meat, eggs, dairy and wild-caught seafood.

Vitamin B12 also helps regulate homocysteine levels, and increased homocysteine is linked to B12 deficiency as well as depression.

Ensuring youth are eating healthy diets rich in folate and vitamin B12, as well as optimizing their vitamin D levels, may go a long way toward bolstering mental health and avoiding conditions like depression.