Vitamin D, Seasonal Affective Disorder And Depression Linked

Rayshell Clapper for redOrbit.com – Your Universe Online
Every winter, many people suffer from symptoms that begin in autumn and last through spring. Those who experience these symptoms deal with issues as severe as depression, sleep problems, libido, appetite, mood, and activity levels according to BBC News. For the past few decades, we have called this Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD is not just feeling blue, it is also a combination of physical and mental health issues that impede the sufferer’s life.
SAD has long been studied because of its yearly impact on those who suffer from the disorder. In an international study led by the University of Georgia, researchers found a strong link between SAD and a vitamin D deficiency. The study reviewed 100 leading articles that found a connection between vitamin D levels and seasonal depression.
First of all, vitamin D levels fluctuate in the body with the different seasons. In the summer, when most people experience more exposure to the sunlight, vitamin D levels are higher and moods are happier and more positive. The winter is typically the season where people hibernate in their homes more because of the cold, mostly because the sun is not up as much; therefore, people receive lower levels of vitamin D and some even experience serious symptoms.
Furthermore, the study explains “Vitamin D is also involved in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine within the brain, both chemicals linked to depression.” Each of these support the findings that SAD and vitamin D levels have a relationship.
The National Institute of Medicine supports the recommendation that people receive a recommended daily allowance of 600-4000 International Units (IU) per a day. An article by Sarah Klein of the Huffington Post explains that 80-90 percent of daily vitamin D intake comes from the sun, but if the sun is not high in the sky as long in winter, then people cannot receive as much vitamin D. Plus, the winter weather often blocks the sun as well. This leads to vitamin D deficiencies, which contribute to physical and mental health issues.
To help people better understand how a vitamin D deficiency feels, Klein identified seven symptoms:
1. Achy bones
2. Depression
3. Aged 50 or older
4. Being overweight or obese
5. Having darker skin pigmentation
6. Head sweats more than usual
7. Gut issues
Any of these could mean that a person has low vitamin D levels, but a combination should definitely inspire you to talk with your doctor and have your vitamin D levels checked. Vitamin D deficiency could possibly contribute to heart health issues, circulation problems, headaches and migraines, and even bone health. On top of that, the University of Georgia study reveals that a vitamin D deficiency also contributes to mental health issues, particularly in the form of suffering from depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Let’s compare the seven symptoms listed above for a vitamin D deficiency to the symptoms of SAD as identified by MedlinePlus:
1. Sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
2. Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
3. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
4. Irritability, restlessness
5. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
6. Fatigue and decreased energy
7. Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
8. Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
9. Changes in weight
10. Thoughts of death or suicide
When looking at these ten, we can definitely see the relationship between SAD and a vitamin D deficiency. The latter is not the only cause of SAD and certainly is not the only issue with a relationship to it, but it certainly may help those who suffer from SAD approach and treat their symptoms.
Suffering from SAD certainly differs from having the winter blues as the BBC article identifies. Where the winter blues contribute to difficulty sleeping, SAD leads people to feeling permanently tired and not wanting to get out of bed. Those who just have the winter blues may feel down, but those with SAD deal with feelings of intense depression including having suicidal thoughts. Seeing the difference really brings home how important the University of Georgia study findings on vitamin D are to helping people improve their health – both mental and physical.
Findings of the study are published in the Medical Hypotheses journal.
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