Deficiency of the sun vitamin `Vitamin D` and its relationship to depression

ArabiaWeather - Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” due to our bodies’ ability to manufacture it when the skin is exposed to sunlight. This fat-soluble vitamin plays an important role in maintaining bone health and enhancing their strength, in addition to improving cell growth and strengthening the immune system.

Researchers have observed low levels of vitamin D in many people with depression, suggesting it may influence this condition. In this article, we will explore the possible relationship between vitamin D and depression.

What is the relationship of vitamin D to depression?

Researchers have found low blood levels of vitamin D in many depressed individuals, suggesting a possible association between these two factors.

Some studies indicate that low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may be linked to the emergence of postpartum depression, which is a type of depression that appears after birth for a period ranging from days, weeks, and months.

Similarly, researchers have explored a possible relationship between low vitamin D levels and depression in gout, chronic spinal cord disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.

Conflicting results in the relationship between vitamin D and depression

On the other hand, some high-quality, limited-scale studies have reported improvements in depressive symptoms in various groups of individuals after taking vitamin D supplements.

However, these potential benefits are not entirely clear; A five-year study of more than 18,000 people suffering from depression revealed that taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily did not cause any significant changes in the severity of depression compared to taking a placebo. Other studies have also shown that taking vitamin D does not affect depression.

Because these results are mixed, we need to do more research to determine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression, and to understand how taking vitamin D supplements affects depressive symptoms.

Vitamin D deficiency

• Lack of exposure to sunlight and vitamin D

Exposure to sunlight is the main source of vitamin D for most individuals, and avoiding staying in the shade reduces this exposure, which can lead to vitamin D deficiency.

The amount of sun exposure is affected by the local climate, the time of day the sun is exposed, and the season of the year; Light-skinned individuals tend to produce vitamin D more quickly than dark-skinned individuals.

• Diet and vitamin D

There may not be many natural foods that contain a large amount of vitamin D, but consumption of this vitamin can be increased by eating its natural sources such as:

• salmon.
• Mackerel.
• Other types of fish rich in fat.
• Fish liver oil.
• Animal fats.
• Food products fortified with vitamin D, such as cereals and orange juice.

There is likely to be a lack of dietary intake of vitamin D when following a vegetarian diet. Plant sources of vitamin D include:

1. Plant milks, fruit juices, and fortified grain products.
2. Types of fungi that are exposed to UV rays to increase their vitamin D content.

• Dark skin color and vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is more common among dark-skinned individuals than others in the United States. This may be due to the presence of higher amounts of melanin in dark-skinned individuals, as melanin appears to inhibit the production of vitamin D in the skin.

• Living in places far from the equator and vitamin D

Studies have shown an increased likelihood of low vitamin D levels in individuals who reside in northern regions of the planet, and it may be necessary to spend more time outdoors to increase sun exposure in areas where there is less solar radiation for shorter periods.

• Obesity and vitamin D

There is a link between vitamin D deficiency and high body mass index (BMI) and it appears that obese individuals with a BMI of 30 or more may need to boost their vitamin D intake to reach recommended levels.

It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional and have your vitamin D level checked when your BMI reaches 30 or more, as they can help you develop a plan to increase your levels. People suffering from obesity are often directed to take high doses of vitamin D supplements to treat vitamin D deficiency.

• Age and vitamin D

Age may be a contributing factor to vitamin D deficiency, as production of this vitamin in the skin decreases further with age. In older people, the skin becomes less able to produce vitamin D, and these individuals also tend to have less exposure to sunlight. In addition, older adults may follow a diet that contains lower amounts of vitamin D, increasing the likelihood of vitamin D deficiency occurring in this age group.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and depression

Vitamin D deficiency and depression are two separate conditions, each with different symptoms. If these symptoms are present, it is best to consult a doctor.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency

• Bone pain.
• Fatigue or drowsiness.
• A feeling of weakness and pain in the muscles and joints.

Symptoms of depression

• Overwhelming feelings of sadness, despair and helplessness.
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
• Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable.
• Idleness.
• Excessive weight loss or weight gain.
• Anorexia.
• Concentration problems.
• Forgetting.
• Loss of interest in sexual activities.
• Headache or back pain.
• Anxiety.
• Thoughts about death or suicide.

Treating vitamin D deficiency and depression

Vitamin D deficiency and depression require different treatments, but treating vitamin D deficiency may help treat depression. Although research on this matter is mixed

• Treatment of vitamin D deficiency

Certainly, health professionals can be advised to treat vitamin D deficiency and its symptoms by increasing the amount of vitamin intake. You can obtain more vitamin D by:

Take vitamin D supplements: Supplements can be an important source of vitamin D, and are available in tablet or liquid form.

Increase exposure to sunlight : Regular exposure to sunlight is preferable, especially in the morning, to enhance the production of vitamin D in the skin. However, you should be careful and avoid excessive exposure to sunlight to prevent harmful effects.

Eat foods that contain or are fortified with vitamin D : Vitamin D can be obtained from some natural foods such as fatty fish, fish liver oil, and egg yolks. Some foods, such as milk and orange juice, are also fortified with vitamin D.

• Treating depression

Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are common methods for treating depression, and these treatments can be implemented separately or in combination depending on the health condition and individual needs. Psychotherapy includes different types of modern treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and modern drug therapy.

Regarding the relationship between depression and vitamin D deficiency, increasing intake of this vitamin may have a positive role in improving symptoms. Dietary changes, such as increasing intake of foods rich in vitamin D, along with psychological and drug treatments may be included as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.

It is necessary to consult healthcare professionals to accurately evaluate the condition and determine the optimal treatment plan, as joint work between different experts in the health field can be the most effective.

Source: healthline