Vitamin D deficiency presents similar symptoms to those of depression: Mood changes accompanied by overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and hopelessness. Fatigue. Forgetfulness.
Can vitamin D affect mood? Yes, vitamin D does appear to play a slight role in mood regulation, although the jury is still out regarding its effect on depression. One study found that vitamin D supplements could improve anxiety but did not find that they affected depression ( 26 ).
Vitamin D deficiency can cause irritability, tiredness, depression, language delays, and issues with memory function and learning (5). Some neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and the risk for ADHD have also been linked to a mother's low vitamin D stores during pregnancy (5-7).
Vitamin D receptors are found throughout the brain. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to mental health symptoms and low vitamin D impacts mental health through a variety of mechanisms. Vitamin D can impact mood and psychiatric disorders, and research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may worsen psychological symptoms.
A. Yes, low vitamin D can cause several neurological symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
4. Altered mental status. Hypercalcemia can lead to altered mental status in people with vitamin D toxicity. People with vitamin D toxicity–induced hypercalcemia commonly have symptoms like confusion, depression, and psychosis.
Vitamin D Supplements for Stress
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress to such an extent that we recommend each and every patient experiencing any of these situations have their vitamin D levels evaluated.
In one study (Harris & Dawson-Hughes, 1993), 250 healthy women were randomized to daily vitamin D (400 IU) or a placebo for a period of one year. Both groups received supplemental calcium during the trial. Findings indicated no difference in mood scores (Profile of Mood States) between the two groups.
Vitamin D helps encourage serotonin production and release. If you're not getting enough vitamin D, taking a supplement may help reduce symptoms related to low serotonin levels, but check with your doctor before beginning supplementation.
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.
Several studies reported that vitamin D deficiency affects both insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a hallmark of the polycystic ovarian syndrome, one of the most common endocrine disorders that affects reproductive age women (13–16).
The prevalence of self-reported anger, anxiety, poor quality sleep, sadness/depression, and worry was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in vitamin D sufficient participants compared with their other counterparts.
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.
So, when it comes to vitamin d deficiency treatments, how long till you start to feel better? Those with the lowest levels should feel an improvement after just a few days, while those who only need to top up their levels may have to wait a week or two before they begin to feel healthier and more energised.
Growing evidence has demonstrated that vitamin D has a role in sleep regulation [12]. Specifically, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) can increase risk of sleep disorders and is associated with sleep difficulties, shorter sleep duration, and nocturnal awakenings in children and adults [13,14,15].
Results: Serum levels of 25(OH)D and dopamine significantly increased in the vitamin D group, compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). However, serum BDNF and serotonin levels did not change significantly.
We recommend taking it with a source of quality fat in the morning or when you break your fast. Avoid taking vitamin D in the evening (we'll talk about why below). Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin—meaning it doesn't dissolve in water—your body can most easily absorb it when you take it with food.
The effect of equivalent oral doses of vitamin D3 600 IU/day, 4200 IU/week and 18,000 IU/month on vitamin D status was compared in a randomized clinical trial in nursing home residents. A daily dose was more effective than a weekly dose, and a monthly dose was the least effective.
All the studies found that depressed subjects had lower levels of vitamin D compared to controls, and those with the lowest vitamin D levels had the greatest risk of depression (odds ratios 1.31, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.71).
"Adequate levels of magnesium in the body are essential for the absorption and metabolism not only of vitamin D but of calcium as well," Dean states. "Magnesium converts vitamin D into its active form so that it can help calcium absorption.
Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced cortisol levels and cortisol:cortisone ratio but had a nonsignificant effect on cortisone.
Unless your doctor recommends it, avoid taking more than 4,000 IU per day, which is considered the safe upper limit.
Irritability causes include vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle triggers (such as increased stress). Symptoms of severe vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B6 deficiencies may include irritability.