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Research these days is showing vitamin D to be something of a super-vitamin.
Many people swear by it for their immunity, as a cancer-preventative, and in some cases to even help with seasonal allergies.
But could it also contribute to your mood?
Some very interesting findings out of a study published in the December 2006 edition of the American Journal for Geriatric Psychiatry indicate it might.
Researchers from Washington University analyzed a group of 80 older adults (mean age of 74.79 years) and assessed their mood via clinician’s diagnosis and the depression symptoms inventory.
What they found were that the odds of having an active mood disorder was 11.69 times greater in those adults who were found to be deficient in vitamin D than those who were sufficient.
It is important to note, however, that they could not establish that a lack of vitamin D is associated with the clinical diagnosis of major depression, only that it was associated with an active mood disorder. The clinicians involved in the research were not formally trained in psychiatric diagnosis, so they were unable to go so far as to reach that conclusion.
What does this tell us?
First of all, it gives us an indication as to the role of vitamin D in mood, at least in older adults, but possibly in others as well. Further research is definitely needed to make that assessment.
Beyond that, though, it could give us a window into perhaps a very simple way to address some mood issues, at least minor ones.
Vitamin D is a vitamin that is synthesized internally when we are exposed to sunlight. Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder, which is a disorder that strikes mood in colder months when less sunlight and time spent outdoors is to be found.
Could addressing some mood disorders, at least more minor ones, be as simple as getting outside and getting a little sun? Could that ultimately be why vitamin D is being found to play a role? Are we just spending too much time indoors?
This study gives us an indication that it might be possible, although it doesn’t conclude that.
However, given the number of people who anecdotally experience an uplift in mood from getting outside and getting some sun, we may be seeing a more complete picture forming.
In any case, while these are my own personal inferences of the data, the benefits of proper vitamin D levels are beginning to become overwhelming. So be sure to talk to your licensed health care practitioner to find out how you can make your vitamin D levels optimal, safely.
Who knows, maybe it’s as simple as going outside!
Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19397226/
My personal vitamin D choice (there are many great ones, so choose for yourself in consultation with your doctor!)
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There may not be final, incontrovertible proof,but the evidence is strong enough for me to believe that outside time – every single day – is important to our mood and overall mental health. Thanks for a good read!
A really interesting post. Some years ago now my wife noticed I wasn’t quite myself. She mentioned that I hadn’t been for a while. After some research we tried Vitamin D. You’re right – it really helps, especially during the winter months.
That’s amazing, what a great fix!
Absolutely, Lori. That’s where I am as well. Enough evidence for me to incorporate it, especially given how safe it is along with the other benefits of getting outside.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m in my mid 50s, and in my personal experience, having a vitamin D deficiency caused many issues with my depression & anxiety, along with other health issues. Not too long after it was discovered and I started loading up on supplements, I stopped feeling so much like a 90 year old woman. Thanks for sharing this information!
Wow, what a great testimonial Traci! I’m so glad it’s helped you so much! It truly is a wonder supplement for me also. Thank you for sharing!
I’d heard about Vitamin D being good for mood from a nutritionist. She also suggested it’s best to take it in spray form where it can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream through your mouth rather than in tablet form as lots of it gets broken down by stomach acid. The NHS in England recommend adults take a Vitamin D supplement in the winter months as we can’t rely on the sun to provide it for us.
Great tip, Emma! I’ll be on the lookout for spray varieties. I’ve only taken it in pill form so far, so happy to take an upgrade where there is one. Thanks for sharing!