Your body produces vitamin D during exposure to the sun. Vitamin D benefits your immune system, promotes cell growth, and keeps your bones healthy.
Having low vitamin D levels is common. About 50% of people worldwide have low vitamin D levels, and about 1 billion have vitamin D deficiency.
This article explains the link between vitamin D and depression, the symptoms of low vitamin D, and the treatment options.
What’s the link?
Scientists think there may be a link between low vitamin D levels and depression due to:
- the presence of vitamin D receptors in areas of the brain associated with the development of depression
- vitamin D’s role in the formation of serotonin
- vitamin D’s proposed anti-inflammatory effects
Researchers found vitamin D receptors in the human brain and also evidence that vitamin D affects the responses of the nervous and immune systems.
According to a 2020 review, numerous studies have found that people with depression have lower levels of vitamin D than those without. However, the evidence is not strong enough to confirm a link.
To date, studies have been unable to conclude whether low vitamin D levels are present before depression starts or whether low vitamin D levels result from depression.
Symptoms of low vitamin D
Most people with low vitamin D levels have no symptoms. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and the production of too much parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism).
However, some people may notice:
- fatigue
- muscle pain
- joint stiffness
- bone pain
- weakness
- muscle twitching
Children with vitamin D deficiency may also experience:
- irritability
- lethargy
- bone changes or fractures
- delay in their development
If you think you may have low vitamin D levels, consider asking a doctor about blood tests. These can show if a treatment plan for vitamin D deficiency could be beneficial.
How to treat vitamin D deficiency
Your doctor may prescribe a vitamin D supplement for low vitamin D levels. These usually come in the form of tablets or liquids.
The dosage and the length of treatment can vary depending on:
- your age
- the severity of the deficiency
- other underlying factors
Some foods can also help increase your vitamin D levels.
Foods rich in vitamin D include:
- salmon
- trout
- cod liver oil
- beef liver
- eggs
- sardines
- mushrooms
- cow’s milk or oat, soy, and almond milk fortified with vitamin D
Your doctor will make a plan with you to increase your vitamin D levels based on your lifestyle and health conditions.
Depression treatments
Depression is treatable. The earlier you start treatment, the more effective it may be. Your doctor can help you find the most appropriate strategies and treatment to improve depression.
Depression may vary in form and severity. It may take time to find the most effective treatment, which may include psychotherapy and medications.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapists can teach you new ways of thinking and reacting to certain situations. They can also suggest changes in habits that may trigger depression and negative thoughts.
Psychotherapy includes interpersonal therapy (IPT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
IPT is more focused on identifying and addressing issues in the relationships with people around you. CBT can help improve the way you think about life in general and help you stop following certain negative behavioral patterns in your daily routine.
Antidepressant medications
Antidepressant medications may include:
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- venlafaxine (Effexor)
- bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- mirtazapine (Remeron)
- desvenlafaxine
- duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- citalopram (Celexa)
Antidepressants can often improve the symptoms of depression, but it may take 4–8 weeks to start feeling better.
It may also take time to find the dosage of antidepressants most appropriate for you. When you start taking antidepressant drugs, you may also notice some symptoms, such as:
- nausea
- diarrhea or constipation
- appetite changes
- sleep difficulties
It is important not to stop taking antidepressant medications without talking with your doctor. If you feel better and suddenly stop taking your medications, depression may return.
If your depression symptoms have improved or you wish to stop taking antidepressants, your doctor can recommend a plan to do this slowly and safely.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
