Yes, low vitamin D levels are strongly linked to increased anxiety and depression, as vitamin D plays crucial roles in brain function, mood regulation (like serotonin production), and reducing inflammation, with deficiency potentially worsening mental health symptoms. While research shows a clear association, more studies are needed to confirm a direct cause-and-effect, but screening and supplementation are recommended for mood disorders.
Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. For this reason, vitamin D screening should be performed in the prevention and treatment planning of these mood disorders.
Symptoms when vitamin D is low
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
For adults, if you're taking a loading dose for severe vitamin D deficiency you'll usually take it daily or weekly for 6 to 10 weeks. To maintain your vitamin D levels or prevent deficiency you'll usually take colecalciferol long term.
Description. Cholecalciferol is a dietary supplement that is used to treat vitamin D deficiency. It is also used with calcium to maintain bone strength. This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.
In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend. African American infants and children are at higher risk of getting rickets. In adults, severe vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia.
What causes vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D seems to have an important role in sleep regulation (7). Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of sleep disorders and is reported to be associated with sleep difficulties, shorter sleep duration, and nocturnal awakenings (8–10).
Taking an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can help raise your levels and improve deficiency symptoms within six weeks to four months, depending on how severe your deficiency is. You may begin to feel consistently more energetic and in a better mood when your use of vitamin D supplements starts to work.
What are the 8 signs of low vitamin D?
A deficiency in Vitamin D can cause dry eye symptoms. However, supplements may help by reducing inflammation on the eye's surface, according to a 2020 article.
Deficiencies in vitamins B12, D, and magnesium may lead to tremors, alongside fatigue, numbness, and mood changes. Addressing these deficiencies through diet, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments is crucial for managing and preventing tremors.
Folate (Vitamin B9)
Also called folic acid, folate is another component your body needs to make neurotransmitters. Studies have associated low levels of vitamin B9 with depression and anxiety.
It has recently been discovered that taking high doses of vitamin B6 supplements significantly reduces feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Vitamin D3:
Vitamin D3 can improve mood and energy, and it has been a must for many of my patients throughout the pandemic, says Dr. Madrak. While lack of sunlight isn't a sole contributor to anxiety, vitamin D deficiency can hinder mental well-being. The best source of vitamin D3 is direct sunlight.
Muscle aches and weakness
Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium and regulates your muscle contractions. A deficiency may result in muscle aches, reduced strength, or cramps. If you've noticed persistent, unexplained muscle discomfort, it might be time to check your vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D absorption can be prevented by limited sun exposure (dark skin, sunscreen, covering up, indoor lifestyle), medical conditions (celiac, Crohn's, cystic fibrosis, liver/kidney disease, obesity), certain medications (steroids, anti-seizure drugs, weight-loss drugs), and even some nutritional factors like low magnesium, with fat malabsorption issues and obesity being major culprits for preventing both dietary and sun-derived vitamin D from working effectively.
Yes, you can do a vitamin D test at home using simple finger-prick kits (like TouchBio, 2San, We Test Bio) that provide quick, preliminary results (often in 10 mins) by analyzing a drop of blood to check if levels are sufficient, insufficient, or deficient, helping you monitor bone health and immune support, but you should always discuss abnormal results with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Triggers Heart Disease
In addition to osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency can also lead to heart problems. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the heart from serious diseases, such as coronary artery disease and myocarditis.
Adequate levels of magnesium in the body are necessary for the absorption and metabolism of vitamin D, important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth and supporting the body's immune system, brain and nervous system.
No natural fruits are high in Vitamin D; it's primarily from sunlight, fatty fish, and fortified foods, but some fruits help absorption (avocado, banana) or are fortified (orange juice), while dried figs and apricots offer some benefits, so focus on fortified juices, plant milks, or supplements for D, alongside fruits that support its function.
You'll find it naturally in foods like fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms, and cod liver oil. Many other foods — like breakfast cereals, tofu, yogurt, and plant-based beverages — are fortified with vitamin D to boost your intake.
Yes! Eggs are high in vitamin D, with a serving of two eggs containing 8.2µg of vitamin D. This is 82% of the recommended dietary intake for adults 51-70 years and more than 100% for younger age groups. Eggs are one of the highest food sources of vitamin D.