Vitamin D and Mood

A healthy brain is the first line of defense against mental health problems including depression. Since vitamin D plays major role in brain health throughout all stages of life, boosting its levels may help increase energy levels and improve overall mood. Several lines of evidence support the antidepressant effect of vitamin D:
1. Vitamin D increases the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. [518-519]
2. Low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with increased risk of depression and low mood. [520-546]
3. In healthy individuals, vitamin D3 at a dose of 400-800 IU per day is associated with more positive emotions. [547]
4. In women with lower blood levels of vitamin D, supplementation improves scores in the Beck Depression Inventory-II test. [548-549]
5. In patients with seasonal affective disorder (depression associated with late autumn and winter), vitamin D supplementation improves all outcome measures. [550]
6. In vitamin D-deficient patients with depression, vitamin D supplementation is safe and effective in reducing depressive symptoms when given as an adjunctive treatment. [551]
7. In adolescent girls, high dose vitamin d supplementation is associated with a reduction in depression score. [552]
8. In depressed adolescents, vitamin D3 supplementation over 3 months ameliorates depressive symptoms. [553]
9. In patients with clinically significant depression, vitamin D supplementation effectively reduces depressive symptoms. [554]
10. In patients with major depressive disorder, vitamin D supplementation improves scores in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). [555]
11. In depressed patients with vitamin D deficiency, single injection of high dose of vitamin D significantly improves depressive symptoms. [556]
12. In overweight and obese men and women, supplementation with high doses of vitamin D seems to ameliorate depressive symptoms. [557]
13. In adults, vitamin D supplementation significantly improves well-being without any adverse side effects. [558]
14. In women with type 2 diabetes, vitamin D supplementation improves mood and health status. [559]
15. In people with depression, vitamin D replacement therapy could improve health outcomes and quality of life. [560]
16. In patients with significant depressive symptoms or depressive disorder, vitamin D supplementation dramatically reduces symptoms. [561]