Can vitamin D reduce depression? – Scientists provide the answer

Vitamin D and mental health: scientists reveal an unexpected connection with depression

Modern science is making a breakthrough in understanding the role of vitamin D in the human body. As it turns out, this important element not only strengthens bones but also plays a key role in maintaining psychological health, especially in combating depressive states.

According to TUT.AZ, researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered that vitamin D directly affects critical areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation. Receptors for this vitamin, located in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, are the first to signal its deficiency through mood deterioration.

Mayo Clinic specialists are sounding the alarm: the risk of developing depression in people with vitamin D deficiency increases by 2-3 times! The problem is especially acute for residents of regions with insufficient sunlight, making the winter period particularly dangerous.

In 2018, Finnish scientists conducted a large-scale study involving more than 2,000 people, which confirmed a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and the severity of depressive symptoms. The results were so convincing that they forced the scientific community to reconsider approaches to depression prevention.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) note that taking vitamin D supplements can significantly alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression. However, scientists warn: this approach does not replace traditional therapy but can be an effective addition to the main treatment.

Who is at risk?

- People who receive little sunlight (office workers, homebodies)

- People with darker skin

- Individuals with insufficient dietary intake of vitamin D

- Pregnant women and elderly people

Medical professionals strongly recommend regularly checking vitamin D levels through blood tests. If a deficiency is detected, it is necessary to take special supplements, the dosage of which should only be determined by a doctor. To naturally replenish the reserves of this important element, it's worth enriching your diet with fish, egg yolk, and dairy products fortified with vitamin D.