Taking vitamin D for depression
Taking vitamin D for depression may help cheer you up especially if vitamin D levels in your body are low. However if you do suffer from depression it's important to see a qualified health care provider in addition to getting plenty of vitamin D.
Vitamin D for depression
While getting enough vitamin D isn't a guarantee that you'll avoid depression it may significantly reduce your risk of depressive symptoms. Low concentrations of vitamin D in your body are associated with depression and the lower your vitamin D levels the higher your risk according to a review published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. The widespread distribution of vitamin D receptors in the brain may play a role in vitamin D's effects on your mood.
Vitamin D deficiency
Many people in the United States get too little vitamin D including people with depression and other mental disorders according to an article in Issues in Mental Health and Nursing. The article suggests that specific groups of people are at particular risk of developing vitamin D deficiency and depression including teenagers the elderly people who are obese and individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
Ways to boost vitamin D
To avoid vitamin D deficiency and lower your risk of developing depression aim to get the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D: 15 micrograms per day for teenagers and adults and 20 micrograms of vitamin D daily for people over age 70 according to the USDA. Getting 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure three days weekly which is often more difficult in the winter is usually enough for your body to meet its vitamin D needs notes MedlinePlus. Eating vitamin D-rich foods such as fish fish oil milk egg yolks yogurt and vitamin D-fortified orange juice helps boost your vitamin D levels. So does taking a vitamin D supplement as recommended by your doctor.
Treating depression
While boosting your intake of vitamin D for depression should not replace seeing a qualified health care provider for treatment it may help improve your mood. The article in Issues in Mental Health and Nursing notes that taking vitamin D supplements eating vitamin D-rich foods and exercising outdoors in the sunshine could be a cost-effective way to prevent or improve symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders.
For more information or if you have concerns about depression visit Reid Psychiatric Services for more information or call (765) 983-3050.