WebMD has published an interesting report about the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression. The report stated that there is a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and depression. As you probably know, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many illnesses and diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and certain type of cancer.
Vitamin D comes from the diet (eggs, fish, and dairy products) and is produced in the skin. Skin production of the active form of vitamin D depends 0n exposure to sunlight. Active people living in sunny regions produce most of the vitamin D they need from their skin. In less sunny climes the skin production of vitamin D is markedly diminished in the winter months, especially among the elderly and the housebound. In that population, vitamin D supplements become important.
The relationship between depression and vitamin D is likely a two-way street, Sonal Pathak, MD, says. “People who have depression are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency because they stay indoors, don’t exercise too much, and are likely not eating a healthy diet.”
There are also vitamin D receptors in areas of the brain that help regulate behavior and emotion, she says.
“It is not unusual for people with depression to be deficient in vitamin D and treating the deficiency may make a huge difference in how they feel,” Pathuk says.
Dr.Pathak suggests that patients ask their physician to test their vitamin D level if they are being
treated with depression.
Sonal Pathak, MD. She is an endocrinologist at Bay Health Endocrinology in Dover, Del.
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