Mental Health Solutions Blog

There is a growing body of evidence that many mental health conditions  are related to dietary deficiencies. A currently recognized deficiency these days is Vitamin D.

It is commonly reported these days that 75% of people have a deficiency of Vitamin D. This is all over the world. Interestingly, the country that is reported to have the highest Vitamin D levels isThailand.  I’m not sure it is known why that is. Vitamin D deficiency it turns out is related to many illnesses from Depression to Cancer. What is the recommended amount of Vitamin D these days?  In my practice I recommend a level no lower than 32 ng/ml. Although there is research that suggest levels of 50-70 are necessary to prevent Cancer.

People susceptible to Vitamin D deficiency are infants, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, individuals living in Northern latitudes, those who avoid sun, and dark pigmented individuals.  There are also conditions that predispose a person to Vitamin D deficiency including people who have chronic renal failure, people with malabsorptions syndromes that come as a result of bariatric surgery, biliary tract disease, Cystic fibrosis, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and certain medications.

If you are taking a Vitamin D supplement please be aware that it is recommended that you take Vitamin D3 as opposed to D2.  Most research uses Vit D3.  Also be aware that Vit A antagonizes the action of Vit D. (Attention Cod Liver Oil and Retinol users!)

Lastly, if you are being evaluated for Depression please have your medical practitioner check your Vit D levels before undergoing any other treatment. You may be able to save yourself a lot of time and money!

Tags: dietary deficiencies, mental health, Vitamin D