Mental Health Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D has received a lot of press over its health benefits, especially in the treatment and prevention of seasonal affective disorder and dementia. What are vitamin D's implications for mental health? Why are nutritionists and natural health gurus worldwide recommending high doses of vitamin D to their patients? What dangers are there to supplementing with vitamin D? Read on for some answers to these questions.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D is actually a hormone, not a vitamin. The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight, although fish, fortified milk and dietary supplements may offer trace amounts of vitamin D.

Depression

• Seasonal effective disorder and depression have all been linked to low vitamin D levels. Many physicians are now recommending supplementation to boost these levels, especially for those living in northern climates where winter sunlight levels is low.

The Elderly

• Studies performed by the National Institute of Health and the Centers for Aging have shown a 200 percent higher chance of developing dementia- and alzheimer's-like symptoms in those with low vitamin D levels.

Concerns

• Vitamin D is not easy to metabolize and can under rare circumstances cause severe health issues related to increased calcium absorption. Vitamin D toxicity may also result in cardiac arrhythmias.

Significance

• Scientists continue to discover the benefits of vitamin D, which may include cancer prevention, osteoporosis prophylaxis and mental health maintenance. Consult your physician, as a relatively simple blood test can diagnose vitamin D deficiency.

Warning

• Notify your physician immediately if you experience vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, constipation, headache, bone pain, itching or a sharp metallic taste while on vitamin D supplementation, as these are possible signs of toxicity.