Friday, March 29, 2024

Can Vitamin D Help With Depression

Study Selection And Data Extraction

Can a vitamin D deficiency cause depression?

The initial search yielded 879 hits. We included only English language articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Editorials and commentaries were not included in the main review but only to support some recommendations, we make at the end. We also included systematic reviews and meta-analyses addressing focused research questions related to the focus areas, and the original articles included in these reviews were not examined separately. Based on these criteria and after eliminating duplicates, 148 articles were identified for potential inclusion, and after their full texts were examined, 61 papers were included in the present review after elimination of articles other than original research papers or those not relevant to the focus areas of the present review. All the three authors participated in study selection and reached a consensus regarding the papers to be included in the review. We neither performed a risk of bias assessment for individual studies nor computed effect estimates, as this was meant to be a narrative review.

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Vitamin B3

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an important nutrient. In fact, every part of your body needs it to function properly. As a supplement, niacin may help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis, and boost brain function, among other benefits. However, it can also cause serious side effects if you take large doses.

If You Take Any Group Of Patients With Almost Any Disease Their Vitamin D Levels Will Be Lower Than In A Healthy Individual Ian Reid

Ian Reid, professor in medicine at the University of Auckland, believes that diseases cause low vitamin D levels, as being unwell often leads to spending less time outdoors exposed to sunlight, rather than vice versa. If you take any group of patients with almost any disease, their vitamin D levels will be lower than in a healthy individual. This has led some to hypothesise its low vitamin D developing the disease, but theres no evidence to prove it, he says.

Some experts believe people who are unwell have low vitamin D levels because they spend less time outdoors, not that their low levels cause health problems

Researchers have found that higher vitamin D levels are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer it plays a role in stemming the formation of new blood vessels and stimulating better communication between cells. Vitamin D also has been found to help maintain normal levels of calcium in the colon, which slows growth of non-cancerous but high-risk cells.

Other studies, including of the link between vitamin D and liver cancer,breast cancer and prostate cancer, suggest there is good reason to think that low vitamin D plays a part in the spread of cancer cells. But taking supplements would then, surely, help stave off cancer and a recent meta-analysis failed to find that supplementation reduced cancer risk.

D for depression

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Vitamin D Supplements Do Not Reduce Depression

Past studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may lead to depression. In response, other studies propose that increasing vitamin D levels with supplements may reduce depressive symptoms. But new research, published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, has found no evidence that vitamin D supplements reduce depression.

The research team, led by Dr. Jonathan A. Schaffer of the Columbia University Medical Center in New York, NY, conducted a systematic review of clinical trials that looked at how vitamin D supplementation affected depression.

The team identified seven trials involving 3,191 participants that looked at the effects of vitamin D supplementation against depression and compared this with no vitamin D supplementation.

The investigators say that almost all trials were characterized by methodological limitations and only two studies included participants who had clinical depression at study baseline.

The researchers found that vitamin D supplementation itself had no overall impact on depression.

However, further investigation revealed that for patients with clinical depression, particularly those who were taking standard antidepressant medication, vitamin D supplementation may help reduce depressive symptoms.

But Dr. Schaffer says that before this association can be confirmed, new trials that monitor the effects of vitamin D supplements in these patients need to be conducted.

Dr. Schaffer adds:

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Depression And Vitamin D

Vitamin D can ward off depression this winter, psychiatrists say ...
  • Vitamin D is associated with depression, but increasing serum levels of this substance in patients does not curb symptoms.
  • Similar groups, such as the elderly, the young, and people with chronic illness, are vulnerable to both depression and vitamin D deficiency.
  • Social withdrawal and a lack of self-care may cause people with depression to have lower vitamin D levels than others.
  • Social interaction and a better diet may improve depression symptoms and raise vitamin D levels.

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Things Too Many People Misunderstand About Depression

A personal note here is that a local internist in my community started ordering vitamin D blood tests during routine physical exams. I know three of his patients who had a history of mild to moderate depression, though they were not taking meds. All three had low vitamin D levels, were started on replacement therapy and within three months reported a marked improvement in energy and mood and virtually no depression. Not a rigorous scientific study, but definitely more food for thought.

Vitamin D supplements can be found over the counter in just about any corner store. However, the high dose form, which contains 50,000 units of the vitamin and is taken once or twice a week, can only be obtained by prescription.

A prescription for 50,000 units of vitamin D could be a simple remedy if your level of the vitamin is low. Of course, this should be discussed with your doctor. Many new studies are in the works looking at this intriguing connection. But in the meantime, the potential benefits of vitamin D for depression should not be ignored.

If Youre Considering Self

You can access free support right away with these resources:

  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call the Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for English or 888-628-9454 for Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • The Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
  • The Trevor Project. LGBTQIA+ and under 25 years old? Call 866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or chat online 24-7.
  • Veterans Crisis Line. Call 800-273-8255, text 838255, or chat online 24/7.
  • Deaf Crisis Line. Call 321-800-DEAF or text HAND at 839863.
  • Befrienders Worldwide. This international crisis helpline network can help you find a local helpline.

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Vitamin D And Depression

Depression is a medical condition that changes the thoughts, feelings, or behaviors of an individual. Symptoms include:

  • Loss of interest in activities the individual previously liked
  • Isolation and withdrawal

What Research Shows

Studies on vitamin D supplementation and depression show a relationship between the two.

The only limitation of the studies is that they donât prove that vitamin D deficiency causes depression. People with depression may have lower vitamin D levels, but the deficiency did not cause the illness.

How Vitamin D Deficiency is Linked to Depression

If the cause of depression was a lack of the vitamin, then supplementation would help reduce the signs and symptoms. An increase in the levels of the vitamin would also prevent depression from occurring, but this is not the case.

There is another possible explanation of the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and depression. Many groups at a high risk of depression are also likely to have vitamin D deficiency.

Adolescents, people with obesity, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are the most prone to having vitamin D deficiency. They are also at a higher risk of depression.

Possible Causes for This Correlation

As noted above, some symptoms of clinical depression include withdrawal and social isolation. Since these individuals spend less time outside, they lack the much-needed exposure to process enough vitamin D.

Gaps In Understanding Of The Relationship Between Vitamin D And Depression

Eating these vitamins can help with depression, doctors say

Gaps in understanding of the association between vitamin D and depression

Much of the evidence linking vitamin D with depression in adults comes from cross-sectional studies. Cohort or case-control studies are few and RCTs, considered superior for establishing causality, are even fewer.

As the bulk of the literature is from observational studies, several questions remain. Chief among them is the issue of small and unrepresentative samples, varying measures of depression , and the potential problem of reverse causality. Given that two of the important negative studies came from China and Hong Kong, the issue of latitude moderating the association between vitamin D and depression needs further examination.

Owing to several sources of bias in existing studies and the danger of publication bias impacting the literature on vitamin D and depression, the possibility of a meta-analysis answering this question with finality remains bleak. More RCTs are therefore needed to examine the efficacy of supplemental vitamin D on prevention and treatment of depression.

Knowledge gaps in biological underpinnings between vitamin D and depression

Gaps in understanding the effect of vitamin D supplementation in depression

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Other Possible Causes Of Depression

Is your blood sugar under control and Fat Storing Hormone function just fine? Then there may be something else at the root of your mood problems.

Brain function and mental health are dependent on many nutrients. And deficiencies in different areas can take a toll on your nervous system.

Consider these other common causes if you are still suffering.

  • Deficiency in vitamin B12.
  • Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
  • High levels of cortisol.

Learn more about these common causes in this video. Making sure you get enough vitamins and nutrients is key. That can help prevent symptoms of mental illness and get you feeling more like yourself.

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Treatment And Practice Implications For Inadequate Vitamin D

Sunshine has been suggested as an approach to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. Holick reported that sun exposure to the arms and legs for five to ten minutes, two or three times per week, may be beneficial for maintaining vitamin D sufficiency. However, because the time of day, season, and latitude influence sunlight absorption and thus, the amount of vitamin D produced, it becomes difficult to make universal recommendations. In addition, because the risk of skin cancer is associated with unprotected sun exposure, it is usually not recommended for treatment of inadequate vitamin D levels.

Nutritional sources of vitamin D are limited. Two forms of vitamin D are found in foods naturally . Certain fatty fish, fish oils, and eggs are some of the richest sources of Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol without fortification. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is found in some mushrooms. Vitamin D content of foods is lacking in commonly used databases . The USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory is currently collaborating with experts to update existing information including evaluation of optimal analytical methods . Table 2 summarizes both naturally-occurring and fortified food sources of vitamin D based on currently available information. It is anticipated that these resources will be expanded in the near future.

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Does Getting More Vitamin D Help With Depression

Improving Vitamin D levels may help promote general health and a stronger sense of well-being. However, research hasn’t proven that getting more vitamin D is a sufficient stand-alone treatment for depression.

For example, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found there was no effect when vitamin D was supplemented at 4,000 IUs in those with depression versus a placebo.

And a 2019 review of patients with depression that supplemented with 70 micrograms of vitamin D3 also found no change after supplementation.

“We do not have sufficient evidence to recommend this as a first line treatment for depression,” says Dorothy Sit, MD, a psychiatrist at Northwestern Medicine.

Instead, your doctor will likely recommend a combination of therapy and medication as the first step for treating depression. Taken together with some key lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and eating healthy, you may be able to reduce depressive symptoms.

Is There A Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency And Depression

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Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Described as the sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D has steadily drawn public interest as a potential treatment for depression.

Could this inexpensive supplement counteract the effects of this widespread and, often, debilitating disorder?

While some research indicates that people with depression have lower levels of vitamin D than their counterparts without depression, so far, no large-scale study has found that the vitamin cures the condition.

The causes and symptoms of depression are multifaceted, which means that often no one drug, vitamin, or identified treatment can make them disappear entirely.

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What Happens When Your Body Doesn’t Make Enough Vitamin D

The importance of Vitamin D for overall health and wellness cannot be overstated. It’s no secret that we’re more susceptible to disease when our bodies are deficient in this essential nutrient, but how can we tell if our levels are low?

Everyone is different, and different factors affect our ability to make or absorb vitamin D. Our skin color, age, and even where we live all play a role in how much sun exposure we need to get enough of the sunshine vitamin into our bodies.

If you’re worried that you might be deficient in vitamin D, here are some signs to look out for:

  • Fatigue or exhaustion
  • Bone loss/osteoporosis
  • This can lead to increased risk for disease including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, etc.

    Can Vitamin D Help With Seasonal Depression

    People who experience depression have lower levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. According to a 2015 study, vitamin D can activate serotonin in the brain. It would make sense then that taking a supplement could help ease depression, especially at times when you may struggle to get vitamin D naturally. But while boosting your levels of vitamin D can be beneficial, supplements alone are not a proper treatment for SAD.

    Its not recommended to treat seasonal depression solely with vitamin D,Anisha Patel-Dunn, DO, chief medical officer of LifeStance Health, told POPSUGAR. If you recognize that something is off, or if youre feeling low or not enjoying things like you used to, its important to reach out to a licensed therapist for help.

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    Spend More Time Outside

    Every person has vitamin D receptor cells. These receptors convert cholesterol in the skin after its exposed to the ultraviolet B rays from the sun. In turn, it produces vitamin D3. Too much sun can damage skin and lead to cancer. Yet, its still important to get regular amounts of sunlight.

    Some medical professionals recommend getting around 15-30 minutes of direct sunlight each day . People with darker skin will need to spend more time in the sun than those with pale complexions. Apply sunscreen right after to avoid a sunburn or serious health complications in the future.

    Fighting Depression With Vitamin D

    Ask Dr. Doreen: Do You Believe that Vitamin D can Help Depression?

    Vitamin D deficiency is quite common. Unlike our ancestors, we spend much of our days inside and, when we do go outside, we shield ourselves from the sun with clothing, hats and sunscreen. Further, much of the food we eat today is processed and lacks the nutrients of the fresh foods that our ancestors ate. According to the CDC, at least one fourth of the population is Vitamin D deficient.

    Research has linked low levels of Vitamin D with a number of health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis and cancer. And, most recently, several studies have associated some mental health conditions, in particular, depression with a deficiency in Vitamin D.

    Depression is a very common condition, with at least 10% of the American population suffering from the affliction and, 1 in 3 of those cases are severe. Depression is a biological condition and also psychological one, in that it can be triggered by life events such as the death of a loved one, major life changes, physical illness, traumatic experiences, or relationship problems.

    We have receptors for Vitamin D in our brains, and these receptors are found in the area of the brain linked to susceptibility to depression. Vitamin D may reduce the risk of depression by contributing to the production of serotonin, which regulates mood.

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    How Does Vitamin D Help With Seasonal Affective Disorder

    Vitamin D deficiency is linked to the development of depression.

    One study has shown that supplementation with 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day during winter significantly reduced symptoms of SAD in women.

    However, another study did not find any relief from symptoms with vitamin D supplementation.

    Although the evidence isnt clear, vitamin D could likely help improve mood during SAD.

    Another reason for vitamin D deficiency is that people more often wear sun protection when outside to protect themselves from conditions such as skin cancer and premature aging.

    Vitamin D function and its effect on mood

    Vitamin D is a hormone made by the body or ingested as a nutrient. It has many health benefits and is essential for multiple bodily functions and brain processes.

    Vitamin D can be produced by the body when skin is exposed to UVB rays from the sun or light therapy, and you can also get it by eating particular foods.

    Vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D produced in the body and obtained from foods such as oily fish, dairy, meat, mushrooms, leafy green vegetables, and other vitamin D fortified foods.

    Although vitamin D is generally known for its benefits in bone protection, it plays an important role in maintaining overall well-being and happiness.

    Vitamin D regulates serotonin, an important neurotransmitter for mood, feelings of happiness, and positive emotions. Therefore, the decreased vitamin D levels during winter may be responsible for reduced serotonin activity.

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