There is a growing recognition of worldwide “epidemic” of Vitamin D deficiency, and growing data from adult population illustrate the association between
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.
Many people with low vitamin D do not have symptoms, but some children with low vitamin D get bone and muscle pain. Very low vitamin D can lead to soft bones, causing rickets in children and a condition called osteomalacia (os-tee-oh-mah-lay-shee-ah) in adolescents and adults.
Vitamin D deficiency presents similar symptoms to those of depression: Mood changes accompanied by overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and hopelessness. Fatigue. Forgetfulness.
Research suggests that some nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamins D and B12, are linked to a higher risk of depression. Depression is a mental health condition that causes symptoms such as low mood, sadness, and irritability.
Particular nutrients that have been associated with healthy childhood behaviour include: vitamin D, B vitamins (especially B12), iron, magnesium and zinc. These are all required to help support healthy nervous system function and healthy mood regulation.
Research indicates that there is a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and anxiety as well as depression.
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can result in hematological changes, neurological and psychiatric problems, which can manifest as irritability, changes in personality, depression, and memory loss [9].
Many American children have abnormally low levels of vitamin D. Newer research shows that children with ADHD have lower vitamin D levels than children without the condition. One study showed that expectant mothers with low vitamin D levels had a higher likelihood of their children having ADHD.
In this longitudinal study of schoolchildren, vitamin D deficiency in middle childhood was associated with higher parent-reported externalizing problems scores such as higher aggressive and rule-breaking behaviors and internalizing problems scores such as anxiety disorders in adolescence.
According to the National Library of Medicine, vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases.
Vitamin D deficiency can increase impulsivity, rule-breaking and aggression; vitamin C can cause fatigue and weakness; B complex deficiencies can delay mental development, cause irritability and anxiety and depression. Another side effect of deficiency is reduced antioxidant levels.
Common causes of irritability
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.
The other mental changes associated with B12 deficiency include apathy, agitation, impaired concentration, insomnia, persecutory delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, and disorganized thought-process.
Psychiatric manifesta- tions of vitamin B12 deficiency can include depression, apathy, irritability, dementia, catatonia, delirium, and hallucinations. 4,5 Higher vitamin B12 levels are thought to be associated with a more favorable outcome in depression.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases: In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend.
Your provider can order a blood test to measure your levels of vitamin D. There are two types of tests that they might order, but the most common is the 25-hydroxyvitamin D, known as 25(OH)D for short.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency? Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn't get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.
One study found that when younger children are deficient in vitamin D, they tend to be more aggressive and defiant as adolescents (8). Hyperactive behaviour and anxiety levels can also be affected by a lack of vitamin D (9).
Studies have shown that children suffering from ADHD have a reduced serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) as compared with that in healthy children (9–11). VD supplementation is an adjunct therapy used to overcome symptoms of ADHD and has comparatively few side effects (12).