Vitamin D Depression
Although some studies have found a vitamin D depression link, others have found that there is no clear vitamin D depression link.
People with depression are often low in vitamin D. Not enough vitamin D is also linked to seasonal depression or SAD, where people get down in the dumps in the dark, short winter days because of lack of sunlight. Some studies suggest that vitamin D supplements can help with SAD.
There is also a strong link between low vitamin D levels and postnatal depression.
About 13 % of elderly people have depression symptoms. Elderly people with low vitamin D levels and high levels of a hormone from the parathyroid glands could have a greater risk of depression.
Poor vitamin D status brings about a rise in serum parathyroid hormone levels. Over active parathyroid glands often cause depression symptoms that go away following treatment
In another study, researchers recruited in excess of 3,000 people and analyzed vitamin D levels within the blood. Then they conducted a survey with all the people to look at the presence of depression symptoms. The study found there was no clear vitamin D depression link, and that other studies have given mixed outcomes and therefore more research is still needed.
A recent paper has found that there is not enough proof to support vitamin D supplements in people with depression, but should be considered in those who are at risk of low vitamin D levels.
Reference 1 for: The Vitamin D Depression Association
Reference 2 for: The Vitamin D Depression Association
Reference 3 for: The Vitamin D Depression Association
