Love it or hate it, Marmite could help people with their anxiety due to its high vitamin levels, according to a new study. Reading University's researchers said the vitamins in the popular spread could alter brain chemistry and ultimately lower levels of depression and anxiety.
The Independent reported that the study involved 300 young adults, with an average age of 23. It was designed to see whether high doses of B6 could reduce anxiety and depression signs and symptoms.
Dr David Field, lead author of the study, was quoted in the Independent as saying: “Vitamin B6 helps the body produce a specific chemical messenger that inhibits impulses in the brain, and our study links this calming effect with reduced anxiety among the participants."
He added: Field “Many foods, including tuna, chickpeas and many fruits and vegetables, contain vitamin B6. However, the high doses used in this trial suggest that supplements would be necessary to have a positive effect on mood.
“It is important to acknowledge that this research is at an early stage and the effect of vitamin B6 on anxiety in our study was quite small compared to what you would expect from medication. However, nutrition-based interventions produce far fewer unpleasant side effects than drugs, and so in the future people might prefer them as an intervention.
“One potential option would be to combine Vitamin B6 supplements with talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to boost their effect.”
Those taking part in the study were divided into groups and given either daily supplements of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, or placebo tablets for a month. Those who took B6 saw “significant” reductions in depression and anxiety. Those who took B12 saw “no effect”, compared with those who took the placebo, the paper reported.
The report authors said that Marmite is higher in B12 than B6, and supplements would need to be taken as well to achieve the results from the study. Those taking part in the study also took around 50 times the recommended amount of B6 at around 70mg.
This latest research followed a 2017 study that showed lower levels or anxiety and stress in people who ate Marmite regularly.
