4. Vitamin D deficiency and depression
If you’re familiar with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), you may not be surprised to learn that depression may be among the illnesses linked to vitamin D deficiency. We all know that the nickname for this nutrient is the sunshine vitamin, but that’s not just because people may get much of the vitamin they need with sun exposure.
There’s also a relationship between vitamin D and a sunny (or not-so-sunny) mood. There’s research evidence that indicates a connection between mood and vitamin D levels, where low levels of the nutrient are related to depression.
A meta-analysis included research that suggested vitamin D supplements may be effective as antidepressant medications, though more studies are required.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression—such as feelings of emptiness or irritability, fatigue, hopelessness, appetite changes, and thoughts of suicide—it may be worth a conversation with your doctor.
Since low vitamin D levels may play a role in depression, it would be recommended to ask your provider to check your vitamin D level to see if it’s a deficiency that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Read on to discover other illnesses linked to vitamin D deficiency!
