The Depression Trap

Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to depression according to a recent study. The study looked at 1282 people aged 65-95 and showed that those with low blood levels of Vitamin D and high blood levels of a hormone called parathyroid were more likely to be depressed. Vitamin D levels were 14% lower for the group suffering from mild or severe depression compared to the non depressed group.

Levels of parathyroid increase as a result of Vitamin D deficiency. In this study levels were found to be 5% higher in those with mild depression and 33 % higher for those with severe depression (compared to the non depressed group).

It is not possible to tell from this study whether the deficiency actually causes the depression. It could be that Vitamin D deficiency is a side effect of depression. However, it is not unreasonable to suggest that a lack of Vitamin D could have an impact on mood as it plays a key role in a number of hormonal and neurological processes.

Further study is needed, but it could be that supplements of Vitamin D and exposure to sunlight could be helpful. What do you think?

Source: Archives of General Psychiatry