Is Depression Linked to Low Vitamin - D? - Health and Fitness-Home-Maansisurvivalaidfoundation

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 a mood disorder. It can be described as a feeling of sadness, loss, or anger that may interfere with the suffering person’s day-to-day activities. Depression may lead to disabling conditions impairing all aspects of body functions. Different people may experience depression in different ways. Symptoms of depression may vary from sadness to fatigue. Some people suffering from depression may have suicidal tendencies. Besides affecting daily activities. It may impact the relationships. Depression is a risk factor for many health problems like- obesity, arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, etc.

Depression is linked to low levels of vitamin D. 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.

Factors Causing Low vitamin-D linked to depression.

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 the deficiency of vitamin-D is also found to be linked with non-bone health issues like inflammation and diabetes.

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.

Preventing depression linked to low vitamin-D.

Depression is linked to low vitamin- D. The sunshine vitamin

Depression remains undiagnosed in the majority of old-age adults.

Prevention from depression should be the priority, with consideration and identification of important risk factors. Like- lifestyle, and age, limited sun exposure.

The specific need for vitamin D required by an individual depends upon various factors like- age, UVB exposure, diet, and health status. If deficiency of vitamin D is diagnosed. The healthcare provider is likely to advise to increase the intake.

It is not possible to measure how much vitamin D a person is getting from exposure to sunlight. Therefore healthcare providers should be consulted about the individual need for vitamin D. And how to increase the intake of vitamin D.

Few suggestions that may lower the risk of depression linked to low vitamin-D:-

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. For safe exposure to sunlight, a person should spend short intervals of time every day. Without sunscreen and exposing forearms, lower legs, hands to the sun.
Adding food rich in vitamin-D. Like- oily fish, such as salmon or mackerel, cheese, mushrooms, egg yolks, etc.
Maintaining healthy body weight. ( See the chart below).
Consuming supplements as directed by a healthcare provider.