Can a lack of vitamins drive you crazy?

Vitamins play a key role in brain metabolism. Studies show that even small vitamin deficiencies can derange the mind. Lack of the B vitamins, for example, is often associated with depression, intellectual impairment, and psychosis. One study found that over half of the people admitted to the psychiatric unit of a British general hospital were deficient in at least one of the eight B vitamins.

However, vitamins vary in retention rates. Thus nutritionists advise caution when taking vitamin supplements. Too much vitamin A, for instance, can severely injure the eyes, brain, and nervous system.