We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Connection Between Vitamin D and Depression?

By Jeremy Laukkonen
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,673
Share

The exact connection between vitamin D and depression is not fully understood. There seems to be a correlation between the two, if not a direct causation. People with clinical depression have been found to have vitamin D deficiencies, though these could both be symptoms of a different root cause. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a condition that is thought to be linked with the declining exposure to bright light during the winter months, and a lack of sunlight can also create a vitamin D deficiency. Research suggests there may be a causative relationship between vitamin D and depression, since positive effects have been achieved through the administration of the compound to people suffering from depressive conditions.

There appears to be a link of some kind between vitamin D and depression. The human body is capable of synthesizing vitamin D if sufficient sunlight is available, so a deficiency is typically linked to a lack of natural light or a defect of some kind. A lack of sunlight can also cause symptoms of depression in some people, as seen in seasonal affective disorder. It is thought that the lack of sunlight has a negative effect on brain chemistry, though it is also possible that low levels of vitamin D production could contribute to this disorder and other forms of depression.

The human body depends on a type of light known as ultraviolet-b (UVB) to produce vitamin D. Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that light therapy with UV filters can improve mood, suggesting that conditions such as SAD are not entirely caused by a lack of vitamin D or improved by its presence. Other studies, however, suggest that vitamin D can have a similar or complimentary affect on mood. One double blind study conducted in Australia suggested a causative relationship between vitamin D and depression. This study involved the administration of vitamin D3 and found positive results one standard deviation over the placebo.

Anecdotal evidence also suggestions a relationship between vitamin D and depression. Increased depression in recent history has coincided with a number of trends that have reduced human exposure to sunlight, particularly to the UVB necessary for the production of vitamin D. Urbanization and time spent working indoors, particularly in enclosed office environments, can dramatically cut down sunlight exposure. The potentially harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation have also resulted in the wide use of sunscreens, which can have the unintended effect of reducing vitamin D production. None of this necessarily proves that low levels of vitamin D cause depression, though a strong relationship can be seen nonetheless.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By burcinc — On May 03, 2012

@fify-- I don't think so. I've been dealing with depression for a while and I've never heard any doctor say that vitamin D can cure depression. Obviously they recommend taking supplements if someone has vitamin D deficiency symptoms.

But there is more than one cause for depression. A vitamin D deficiency may be the issue for some people, but it's not going to help everyone. It hasn't helped me.

I personally think that genetics and environmental factors like stress are far more responsible for depression than vitamin deficiencies. I'm genetically inclined towards depression and whenever my life becomes stressful, I get depressed. And it doesn't change if I'm in sunlight!

By fify — On May 03, 2012

@turkay1-- My biology instructor mentioned a recent study about this in class last week.

They did a study with over ten thousand people and saw that those with lower vitamin D levels experienced depression the most.

They also found out that it's sort of like a vicious cycle feeding itself. Not only does a vitamin D deficiency contribute to depression but depression contributes to a vitamin D deficiency as well. Because people who are depressed don't eat as healthy and don't get out in the sun as much.

I also have a friend who took vitamin D supplements for depression and her symptoms slowly went away. I don't know if that's proof, but I think it's pretty close.

By candyquilt — On May 02, 2012

I believe that there is a strong connection between vitamin D and depression. I personally don't experience this because I grew up in a place that wouldn't get much sun. But my mom and best friend both of whom grew up in very sunny and warm places have seasonal depression.

They both get so depressed in winter months. If even for one day there is sun out, I see a huge difference in their mood. I don't think this is only psychological. That might be a part of it, but I think a lack of vitamin D is the main culprit.

I know the article already mentioned that this hasn't been proven. But are there any recent studies that have found a very strong correlation between vitamin D deficiency and depression?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-connection-between-vitamin-d-and-depression.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.