Vitamin D Deficiency and Mental Health
Research into Vitamin D has shown that people with low levels of Vitamin D are at greater risk of suffering from Depression.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to contribute to and/or exaggerate many problems such as dementia, depression, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and schizophrenia . In addition to its well-known role in calcium absorption, Vitamin D activates genes that regulate the immune system and release neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, serotonin) that affect brain function and development .
It is important that this topic is emphasized since correcting the deficiency state can help prevent many negative health consequences; it is not however an alternative to therapy or antidepressant medication. Vitamin D has been proven to be statistically beneficial along side of these in the case of moderate/severe mental illness not instead of them. If you are feeling any symptoms of the mental conditions above please consult your doctor.
In the case of SAD which occurs during the darker times of year, in one study undertaken adults with Vitamin D Deficiency who received high doses of the Vitamin saw an improvement in their depressive symptoms after two months .
Sadly, epidemiological studies show that suicide rates in several countries are at their highest come the spring when Vitamin D status is at its lowest, and that low Vitamin D status can affect brain function.
If you know someone who desperately needs some sunshine in their life, please be their light, make a difference and make sure they're taking some form of Vitamin D.
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