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Vitamin D, often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, does more than just strengthen your bones and boost your immune system. Now, it might be a big part in regulating your mood. As talk around mental health issues intensifies, more and more people are concerned whether vitamin D, the fat-soluble vitamin, might help alleviate mood disorders.
Moreover, recent studies have sparked a debate on how vitamin D might play a crucial role in improving mental health issues. To know the truth behind this claim, OnlyMyHealth talked with Dr Santosh Bangar, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, Mumbai, on how Vitamin D can influence depressive symptoms.
Can Low Vitamin D Cause Depression?
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that helps build a better immune system as well as better bone health. But now its deficiency is being linked to disrupting mood and causing mood disorders like depression and anxiety. According to a 2022 study by the National Library of Health, low vitamin D levels cause an increase in the symptoms of these diseases (depression and anxiety).
According to Dr Bangar, “Vitamin D plays a pivotal part in brain health and mood. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with a higher risk of anxiety, depression and possibly dementia. Getting enough sunlight, food rich in vitamin D, or supplements may help improve mood and feel better.”
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Vitamin D acts more like a hormone than a vitamin in the body. And, low levels of vitamin D may disrupt these pathways, increasing the risk of low mood, fatigue, and loss of motivation, classic symptoms of depression.
Dr Bangar elaborates: “Vitamin D affects neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is a key player in mood regulation. Moreover, regulated levels of vitamin D also help in avoiding early neurodegeneration. It affects neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is a key player in mood regulation.”
Does Treating Vitamin D Deficiency Cure Depression?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for stabilising mood, but it is also observed that correcting a severe deficiency can improve mood; however, it isn’t a magic cure for depression. According to Dr Bangar, “Many patients with depression have shown improvement after correcting low vitamin D levels. While it's not the only treatment, proper vitamin D levels often boost mood, energy and overall well-being.”
He added, “Vitamin D works best along with other treatments like therapy, medication, and healthy lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet and adequate sleep.” However, the psychiatrist cautions that vitamin D supplements should not replace antidepressants or therapy, especially for moderate or severe depression.
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How Vitamin D Supplementation Helps Treat Depression?
“Generally, people diagnosed with depression are advised counselling, medication and exercise. However, in some cases, it may be advised to add vitamin D supplementation alongside regular therapy and medication,” said Dr Bangar.
Before Adding Vitamin D to Your Diet, Check These Things:
- Check in with your treating expert.
- Take them only after the doctor’s advice.
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage as excessive levels of vitamin D lead to hypercalcemia (higher-than-normal levels of calcium in blood).
How to Deal with Both Low Mood and Vitamin D Deficiency?
Mood fluctuations are normal in the current hustling lifestyle of many individuals, but they can also be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. According to Dr Bangar, here are a few steps to take if facing vitamin D deficiency and low mood:
- If you're feeling low and suspect to have a vitamin D deficiency, get your levels tested as soon as possible.
- Get enough sunlight, usually in the early morning, to avoid skin damage due to harsh sunlight.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin D, like eggs and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and fish liver oils.
- Consider supplements as advised by the doctor.
“Improving vitamin D can help mood, but also talk to a doctor regarding mental well-being,” advised Dr Bangar.
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Conclusion: Vitamin D is Effective, But Not A Magic Cure
While vitamin D deficiency is unlikely to cause depression on its own, it may add to the risk or worsen existing symptoms. Ensuring adequate vitamin D through sensible sunlight exposure, diet, or supplements is a simple, actionable way to support both physical and mental health.
If you think your mood is low and suspect vitamin D might be a factor, talk to your doctor. Sometimes, a blood test and a conversation with a mental health professional are the first steps to feeling better.