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November 13, 2018 By Samar Hafeez 9 Comments

Link between Vitamin D Deficiency & Depression

Vitamin-D- deficiency

Depression has been called the world’s number one public health problem. The American psychological association states that it is the most commonly occurring mental disorder. In India statistics show a shocking rise in the number of depression cases every single year and it affects almost every age group irrespective of gender.

Most of us know depression is a heterogeneous illness and has many different triggers. Let’s try to identify if VITAMIN D deficiency is one among them.

Vitamin D also was known as the “Sunshine” vitamin is a steroid hormone precursor. It was originally thought to play a role in mineralization of bones for keeping them strong and healthy, but over time research has linked low levels of Vitamin D levels to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, anxiety and DEPRESSION!

Limited sun exposure, darker skin tone, higher altitudes, poor diet, liver and kidney diseases, age etc., are few risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency.

Diagnosis:  The most accurate way to measure how much Vitamin D is in your body is the 25- hydroxylated blood test (25(OH)D). In my practice, I have observed not many have enough or optimal Vitamin D levels which should be over 35 ng/ml

I personally feel that it’s the most underrated and undervalued vitamin of all

Symptomology:  If you have a Vit D deficiency you may experience following physical symptoms

  • Aching bones, joint pains
  • Poor muscle endurance
  • Muscle cramps and weakness
  • Fatigue and generalized weakness
  • DIFFICULTY LOSING WEIGHT
  • Low immunity
  • Decreased stamina and endurance

You may also experience symptoms of Depression that include:

  • Overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, feeling empty
  • Diminished interest or pleasure in activities
  • Loss of appetite
  • Significant weight loss(when not on diet) or weight gain
  • Insomnia or Hypersomnia(excessive sleep) nearly every day
  • Lethargy
  • Problems concentrating
  • Headaches, back and neck pains
  • Psychomotor agitation/retardation(restlessness or sluggishness)
  • Recurrent suicidal ideations.

A link between Vitamin D deficiency and Depression

Many research studies have concluded that Vitamin D receptors have been found in the areas of brain that are linked to the onset of depression, It has also been found that Vitamin D affects the number of chemicals called Monoamines such as serotonin, dopamine (also known as ‘happy hormones’) and how they work in brain. Many anti-depressants medications work by increasing the number of monoamines in the brain.

A review of an international research shows Over 31,000 people participated in 13 studies that efficiently studied this area and the results showed a significant relationship between low levels of Vitamin D and depression.

According to a study in the Netherlands involving 1,702 people found that significant low levels of Vitamin D cause the developing of depressive symptoms in individuals. A 2 year follow up suggested that Vitamin D could be a cost-effective part of prevention and treatment interventions for depression.

One type of depression that appears to be even more strongly associated with Vitamin D is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a mood disorder characterized by depressive symptoms during times of year when there is relatively less sunshine. It occurs majorly during winter seasons. Symptoms of SAD coincide with a reduction in Vitamin D which in turn effects serotonin levels in the brain, thereby causing depressive symptoms.

Food sources of Vitamin D:

  • Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring
  • Cod liver oil contains 450 IU of Vitamin D per teaspoon(5ml)
  • Oysters, shrimp
  • Egg yolks
  • Mushrooms: Like humans, mushrooms synthesize D when exposed to UV light
  • Vitamin D fortified cereals, milk, orange juice or soy milk.

Other helpful options are to get enough sun (at the least for around 15 mints daily) around midday which can be between 11 am to 1 pm. At this time sunlight is at its highest point and your body may manufacture it more efficiently in less time.

Also, get Vitamin D supplements if your D levels are at extremely low levels, recommended daily allowance (RDA) would be of 600 IU daily, plus a 60,000 IU Vitamin D sachet in milk/curd once every month for 4-6 months(see your physician for more information)

Of course, Vitamin D supplementation is only a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. A plan whether based on pharmaceuticals or natural methods should include psychotherapy. However, low levels of Vitamin D can impair and prolong recovery from depression. Hence, it’s always best to treat a problem holistically!

NOTE:

  • Healing properties of natural sunlight cannot penetrate glass, you cannot sit inside your home or car and reap its benefits
  • If you have darker skin, you will need about 25 times more exposure than a light-skinned individual to produce the same amount of D
  • You are looking at months of sunlight/supplements before levels return to normal
  • Kidneys and liver activates Vitamin D, having a kidney disease or damaged liver will hinder the activation of Vitamin D
  • SUNSCREENS- From strongest to weakest prohibit the body from making vitamin D by 95%. Your body needs sunlight without sunscreens to produce vitamin D. Even SPF 8 creams can prevent the production of vitamin D

About Samar Hafeez

A Clinical psychologist and a counsellor, Samar Hafeez is driven by her passion for a healthy lifestyle and to motivate others to achieve the same. Armed with a Masters in clinical psychology, she is also specialized in women’s health and hygiene and has gained 6 years’ experience in this field. Samar is an optimist and firmly believes that anyone with a willingness to change his/her lifestyle can do it. She helps people using cognitive and behaviour healing methods –simple as changing disruptive thoughts & behaviour into favouring thoughts and behaviours.

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Comments

  1. Thasneem vazim says

    November 13, 2018 at 6:28 pm

    Very much informative☺..keep writing.

    Reply
  2. PREMKUMAR says

    November 14, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    My vitamin d level 16.6

    Reply
  3. PREMKUMAR says

    November 14, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    My vitamin d level is 16.6

    Reply
  4. Kiran says

    November 14, 2018 at 7:56 pm

    Very helpful information.

    Reply
  5. Mike I says

    November 15, 2018 at 5:50 pm

    Well said. No sunscreens in our family first time this last summer. We will see how it goes over the winter

    Reply
  6. Surrenders T S says

    November 15, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    Hi I say thanks specially to give answer to my prolonged question of more than 5years on my mind. I have diabetes, hypoparathyroidism and HGG since birth.i have problem of depression during winter and rainy in evening .It’s worst season in my life. Cann’t share with others about it. Searched answer to it on books, internet, pinned but no use to its possible by you thanks.

    Reply
  7. pratiksha says

    November 16, 2018 at 4:45 am

    Thank u for the pricious knowledge

    Reply
  8. backup camera for box truck says

    November 20, 2018 at 6:03 am

    Usually I don’t rsad post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced mee to ttry and
    do it! Your writikng taste has been surprised me. Thank you, quite nice post.

    Reply
  9. led headlights cars says

    November 26, 2018 at 2:28 pm

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