Vitamin D And Mood Disorders
The Role of Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, reducing the risk of developing heart disease. There is also a strong link between vitamin D and mood disorders. There are numerous studies recommending vitamin D as a supplementary treatment for depression and other mental illnesses.
Depression is know to have seasonal patterns. Winter depression has been proven to be responsive to light therapy. Taking into consideration that vitamin D is generally inadequate in Western populations and that there is a shown link between seasonality and mood states, numerous studies have explored the association between vitamin D and depression.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Mood Disorders
A low level of vitamin D in examined group of elderly people was greatly associated with the presence of mood disorders. Vitamin D deficiency in a group of people with fibromyalgia has been linked to anxiety and depression. Low levels of vitamin D were also found in patients with schizophrenia and alcoholism, suggesting relation to differences in socioeconomic background as well as nutrition (Berk, et al., 2007).
Vitamin D Deficiency in Elderly
Old age is a significant risk factor for hypovitaminosis D and depression. Elderly are vulnerable to low vitamin D levels as ageing influences vitamin D metabolism and its action. Synthesis of vitamin D is less effective in old skin. Contributing factors are lesser mobility, isolation and recommendations against sun exposure.
Mood disorders are a significant cause of morbidity among elderly, with an estimated predominance of 10% of major depression and 29% for depressive symptoms in institutionalised elderly. The clinical spectrum of old age depression consists of hopelessness about the future, loss of interest, fatigue and cognitive changes, rather than affective symptoms like feelings of worthlessness or dysphoria. A study conducted on the population of nursing homes revealed high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, widespread use of antidepressants (benzodiazepines) and a high number of depressive symptoms (Verhoeven, et al., 2012).
How Can Adequate Vitamin D Levels Be Maintained?
Exposure to UVB from sunlight is responsible for 90% of natural production of vitamin D. Suitable exposure time depends on the age, skin type, season and latitude. In old skin photosynthesis is less efficient and time of exposure should be increased. During winter a vast part of Western Europe lies in latitude of 35°, which allows an adequate UVB exposure. However, for some countries with higher latitude, such as Belgium or Sweden, periods of not sufficient UVB exposure can last as long as 5 months (Verhoeven, et al., 2012).
As a micronutrient, vitamin D is present in eggs, liver and fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel or tuna. However, dietary intake alone is not likely to be adequate to obtain sufficient vitamin D levels.
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