Is it possible that increasing levels of vitamin D can lift depression?
A new study conducted by by VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam says the potential for treating depression is one of the most intriguiging of vitamin D benefits, particularly in older people. The study indicates that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to depression and other psychiatric illnesses.
Noting that about 13 percent of older individuals have symptoms of depression, the Amsterdam study speculated that depression may be the consequence of poor vitamin D status. It cited
numerous underlying causes of vitamin D deficiency among the elderly, including less sun exposure as a result of decreased outdoor activity, and different housing or clothing habits.
Correlation between low vitamin D and high parathyroid levels in depressed people
The study correlated the fact that poor vitamin D status causes an increase in parathyroid hormone levels with the fact that overactive parathyroid glands are frequently accompanied by symptoms of depression. It was further noted that the depression symptoms disappear after treatment of the condition and the restoration of adequate vitamin D levels.
The Amsterdam research, which tracked over 1200 people aged 65 to 95, showed that blood vitamin D levels were 14 percent lower in individuals with major and minor depression compared with non-depressed participants.
It was also revealed that, in comparison with non-depressed people, patients with minor depression had five percent higher parathyroid hormone thyroid levels and those with major depressive disorders but levels of the hormone were a surprising 33 percent higher in those with major depressive disorder.
Vitamin D benefits include possible use as depression treatment?
The Amsterdam study stopped short of designating vitamin D a verified preventive of depression, but called for additional study to investigate the possibility. Both low blood vitamin D levels and high parathyroid hormone levels can be treated with higher dietary intake of vitamin D or calcium and increased sunlight exposure, the researchers said, and because the levels of both substances are predictable indicators of depression such treatment has real preventive potential. However, it must be determined whether changes in levels of vitamin D lead to depression or are a result of it.
