Depression is linked to low vitamin-D. As per studies, it was found that people with depression have low levels of vitamin-D. The researchers believe that vitamin-D plays important role in healthy brain functions. Insufficient levels of vitamin-D may play a vital role in depression and other mental illnesses.
Depression Linked to Low Vitamin – D.
Depression is linked to low levels of vitamin-D. Depression may lead to disabling conditions impairing all aspects of body functions. Vitamin-D is reported to have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Most people with depression have a lower level of vitamin-D. This may be due to insufficient intake of vitamin -D or less exposure to sunlight.
Low levels of vitamin-D may cause depression. It may be due to limited sunlight exposure, lifestyle, and old age. Vitamin-D or the sunshine vitamin is also essential for bone health. And its deficiency is also found to be linked with non-bone health issues like inflammation and diabetes.
Prevention from depression should be the priority, with consideration and identification of important risk factors.
Depression remains undiagnosed in majority of old age adults.
Factors Causing Low vitamin-D.
Sun Exposure.
The primary source of vitamin-D is sun shine. Limited sun exposure or use of sunblock creams may lead to vitamin-D deficiency.
Diet
Consuming foods rich in vitamin-D like – Salmon, other fatty fish, fish liver oils, animal fats etc. may help in optimizing vitamin- D levels in the body.
Darker Skin Tone
People with darker skin tone have more melanin – skin pigment that imparts color to the skin. Melanin reduces absorption of vitamin-D from sun shine. Thus people with darker skin needs more exposure to sunlight.
Higher Latitude
People living at higher latitudes require more exposure to sun light. As they get less sun light.
Obesity
Obese people may require more vitamin-D than average weight people. There is a link betwen vitamin-D deficiency and body mass index (BMI).
Age
As a person gets older his skin becomes less efficient to synthesize vitamin-D from sunlight.
Vitamin-D is essential for mental and physical health. Low levels of vitamin- D may lead to many health problems, including depression. Following measures may help to replenish low levels of Vitamin-D and associated risks of depression.
- Getting optimum sunlight.
- Adding food rich in vitamin-D.
- Maintaining healthy body weight.
- Consuming suppliments as directed by healthcare provider.
Please consult your health care provider for treatment.
Wishing all to be in a good state of health.
For awareness purpose only.
Please share your thoughts.
You must log in to post a comment.