Could depression and anxiety be related to a vitamin D deficiency?

Answer by  Tellara (95)

Vitamin D deficiency typically results in bone deformities and is unlikely to cause psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. However, there may be a relationship in the other direction, i.e., someone who is depressed may spend less time outside in the sun and get a vitamin D deficiency.

Answer by  fliptop (126)

Yes. SAD, or seasonal affective disorder occurs in winter months when there is less sunlight available each day and therefore you are not receiving proper amounts of vitamin D. Try taking an oral dose of Vitamin D - at least 1,000 mg.

Answer by  Aubs (1089)

Absolutely. Depression and anxiety can be caused by many things, but can definitely be triggered by things that we eat...or don't eat, such as foods high in Vitamin D.

Answer by  dhuoda (1431)

These are not usually main symptoms for this deficiency but it is possible that they could be linked in severe cases to the pain or distress of skeletal problems which occur with severe vitamin D deficiency. Some medicines cause vitamin D deficiency as well as anxiety and depression symptoms and so they could all be linked back to medicine.

Answer by  amaria (34)

Depression and anxiety has been proven to be related to a Vitamin D deficiency. The best way to cure this is to try for 10 or more minutes of sun.

Answer by  Mike19 (92)

Vitamin D deficiency is usually related to seasonal depression and anxiety. Natural sunlight is important for the body to properly process Vitamin D.

Answer by  G12345 (1808)

Unlikely that Vitamin D and depression are linked. Vitamin D has it effects on calcium and phosphate metabolism. Sun light which is important for in vivo vitamin metabolism may effect depression through melatonin and other hormones, but not through vitamin D. See your doctor if you think you have depression.

Answer by  kungfukid (1241)

There has been a proven link. Most psychologists will highly recommend exposure to several minutes of sunshine each day, which is the best way to increase vitamin D in the body.

Answer by  kungfukid (1241)

It is unclear if a vitamin d deficiency itself could be related. Most experts say the best treatment for depression is direct exposure to sunlight. A related byproduct of that is increased vitamin d. It is unclear if vitamin d is the actual cure.

Answer by  mansi (521)

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with anxiety and depression in fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a complex problem in which symptoms of anxiety and depression feature prominently. Low levels of vitamin D have been frequently reported in fibromyalgia.