Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression

Vitamin D has received much attention since COVID 19 because of its benefits to the immune system. Vitamin D deficiencies in the mother have been linked with schizophrenia. Either a plethora or deficiency of vitamin D has been correlated to the child developing schizophrenia later in life. Some studies show that 65% of those with schizophrenia have a vitamin D deficiency. Depression and low levels of vitamin D seem to share a correlation as well. This correlation was stronger in those with prior histories of depression. Researchers suggest that vitamin D levels might be better for preventing relapses rather than a first line treatment. The psychiatric community has been searching for bio-markers and blood tests for early detection of mental illnesses for years. As a sidebar, low levels of vitamin D can cause inflammation which in turn can cause depressive symptoms. We know that vitamin D is critical to a developing and functioning nervous system in many respects. Vitamin D is among the major neurosteroids whose role in developing and adult brain is intensively studied now. Its active form regulates the expression and functioning of a range of brain-specific proteins, which orchestrate the neurotransmitter turnover, neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.

Clinical Studies with Vitamin D

One study in particular involved 12,500 patients of which 12% had experienced depression in the past. Low vitamin D levels were common among the entire group and about half of those in the group were considered deficient in vitamin D. The levels of vitamin D did not differ significantly between the participants with a history of depression and those without any prior episodes. Those with higher levels of vitamin D seemed to have a decreased risk for depression, albeit this doesn’t seem to be the case with the elderly. The correlation between those deficient in vitamin D and depression is much stronger than those who were not deficient.

Summary of Studies

Some of the conclusions of the study were that vitamin D is important for the brain and might be involved in the development of depression. Another finding was that taking an over-abundance of vitamin D will not have any impact on depression. Many studies have come out which seem to show that very large percentage of the population has low levels of vitamin D. Studies between vitamin D and depression vary in dosage from 10,000 IU per week to 50,000 IU per week. Vitamin D levels need to be checked through a blood test before beginning therapy.

There is a Vitamin D receptor in the region of the brain responsible for depression. Though Vitamin D supplements above deficient levels have no effect in treating depression. Hence treating severe Vitamin D deficiency may reduce the symptoms of depression; however, treating depression with Vitamin D if there is no deficiency will not remit the symptoms.

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