Vitamin D is a highly recognized vitamin known for its various beneficial effects on human health and the regulation of minerals in the body. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even depression.* Serious depression afflicts 6.7% of the US population over the age of 18. The search for the perfect treatment to ameliorate the effects of the disorder has been arduous, and is still missing. However, Vitamin D sufficiency may provide one piece to a larger puzzle that has been troubling researchers for years:
Lower Vitamin D Concentrations Have Been Linked to Depression*
In a Swedish study (1), 54 adolescents with depressive symptoms were supplemented with Vitamin D over a trial period of over three months. The adolescents were initially low in Vitamin D, with six of them suffering from severe deficiency. After the supplementation, researchers observed a positive correlation between Vitamin D concentrations and wellbeing according to the WHO-5 wellbeing index. The WHO-5 well being index is used to score the severity of depressive symptoms. A positive correlation with Vitamin D indicates that higher concentrations of Vitamin D may be associated with the amelioration of the blues. Similarly, results obtained from the third National health and nutrition examination survey (2) on 7970 participants aged 15-39 revealed a similar trend. People with a current depressive symptoms had 8.4% less Vitamin D concentrations than those without a current episode of depressive symptoms. These studies indicate that Vitamin D concentrations may have a pivotal effect on your mood.
Higher Supplementation of Vitamin D Supports Greater Wellbeing*
An experiment at The University of Toronto (3) compared the effects of the supplementation of 15 mcg/day versus a higher dose of 100 mcg/day of Vitamin D. Researchers found that patients on the 100 mcg/day had greater well-being improvement than patients on 15mcg/day, as assessed by a six question questionnaire. The results suggest that Vitamin D supplementation may be vital to the improvement of mood. Additionally, these findings are aligned with the improvement in wellbeing in the 54 depressed adolescents of the Swedish study mentioned above.
When it comes to supplementing Vitamin D, all forms are not created equal. Check your supplement facts to ensure your Vitamin D is in the form of Cholecalciferol (or Vitamin D3) as this most absorbable and active form of Vitamin D.
While these studies do not offer conclusive evidence that Vitamin D treats depression, they certainly support everybody maintaining healthy levels of Vitamin D as a fundamental part of supporting a positive outlook. Vitamin D is easily obtained by exposure to the sun, and supplements like the MicroNourish formula. However, if you are suffering from any kind of depression, please talk to a Doctor or Mental Health specialist as soon as possible.
Learn more about why vitamin D is such an incredibly important nutrient for your brain health:
- Studies: Why Vitamin D Is Such An Important Part of the Mood and Puzzle
- Studies: Vitamin D & Your Digestive Health
- Studies: Vitamin D & Balanced Eating
Other articles you may find interesting:
- Why You May Be Micronutrient Deficient
- Gut-Brain: Why Balancing Your Gut is Balancing Your Brain
- Feeling Overwhelmed & Cranky? Lower Your Stress Levels With These 4 Micronutrients
- The MicroNourish System
(1) Depressed adolescents in a case-series were low in vitamin D and depression was ameliorated by vitamin D supplementation., 2012 Jul;101(7):779-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2012.02655.x. Epub 2012 Mar 27.
(2) Serum vitamin D concentrations are related to depression in young adult US population: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Ganji, V et al., 2010 Nov 11;3:29. doi: 10.1186/1755-7682-3-29.
(3) Randomized comparison of the effects of the vitamin D3 adequate intake versus 100 mcg (4000 IU) per day on biochemical responses and the wellbeing of patients. Vieth, R et al., 2004 Jul 19;3:8.
*Theses statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
