As we all know Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones but vitamin D may also help fight depression and other mood disorders. There is speculation among some researchers that low levels of sun exposure, which lead to Vitamin D deficiency, can be connected to depression. Several studies have indicated that there is an association between major depression, premenstrual syndrome and seasonal affective disorder and Vitamin D.
It is thought that Vitamin D increases the brain’s level of serotonin, which may have an effect on depressive symptoms. Vitamin D receptors, glucocorticoids and mood disorders may also have a link. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may be caused by low levels of Vitamin D. Studies have shown that Vitamin D is more effective than light therapy in persons suffering from this disorder. Light therapy boxes do not emit UV rays that the body needs to produce this vitamin. SAD is most prevalent in the winter time when the sun’s rays are the weakest.
Other studies have shown that heart disease sufferers with low level of Vitamin D tend to be more depressed that those with adequate levels. Also, older adults may be more prone to mood disorders due to Vitamin D deficiency. Research has shown that mothers who do not get much sun during pregnancy have children that are more likely to develop schizophrenia later in life than expectant mothers who spend time outdoors.
A person may ask if they should take supplements of Vitamin D. While the relationship between the sun, Vitamin D and depression is not totally clear, a person who does not get enough of the vitamin may not show symptoms of deficiency but have depressive symptoms. Always talk to your physician before beginning supplements as it is possible to get too much vitamin D, especially persons with kidney disease.
Thu, Jul 8, 2010
Health