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Treating vitamin D deficiency improves depression treatments

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Individuals who suffer from depression may want to consider blood testing to measure their vitamin D levels. New research suggests that people who have mood disorders often experience improvements in their condition when they increase vitamin D levels.

A team of researchers from Bayhealth Medical Center in Delaware analyzed the effects of eight to 12 weeks of supplementation in a group of women who were being treated for depression. All of the women had blood tests indicating they were vitamin D deficient.

During the course of the study the researchers continued to monitor the participants' vitamin D levels and surveyed them about their symptoms. The results showed that as individuals' nutritional statuses improved, depressive symptoms typically lessened.

The researchers said the findings indicate that vitamin D may have an important impact on mood. This understanding could lead to improved treatments for depression.

They added that individuals who are at risk for depression should be screened for vitamin D deficiency. This may help identify patients who could benefit from an early intervention, enabling doctors to address the problem before it becomes severe.