Vitamin D is currently recognized for its beneficial effects in promoting bone growth and development in both children and adults. Moreover, people who have a deficiency in vitamin D might have mental health issues, including a higher risk of stress and depression.

Surprising benefits of vitamin D

Vitamin D can be naturally activated in the body when it is exposed to sufficient sunlight through sunbathing. You can also fulfill your vitamin D needs by consuming vitamin D-rich foods and beverages and by taking supplements.

Vitamin D has several crucial roles in the body, such as:

• Supports immunity
• Reduces cardiovascular risk
• Weight loss
• Promotes teeth and bone growth

Vitamin D receptors are present in our muscles, heart, brain, and immune system. The body transports vitamin D to the kidneys and liver, where it transforms into functional hormones. This hormone facilitates the absorption of calcium in the body. Consequently, a lack of vitamin D can contribute to several diseases, including cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, stroke, and type 1 diabetes.

Read more: Why Is Depression Getting Worse At Night?

Why is vitamin D important for mental health?

A deficiency in vitamin D not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and a weakened immune system but also of developing mental health issues, according to Healthline. Vitamin D deficiency is common among the elderly with mental health issues, according to a recent study.

According to other studies, vitamin D is considered to play a significant role in mood regulation and decreasing the risk of depression. A review of 7,534 respondents revealed that the symptoms of those who regularly took vitamin D and experienced negative emotions improved. Based on the findings of this study, experts suggest that those experiencing depression may consider supplementing with vitamin D in order to manage their mood.

Vitamin D receptors are distributed throughout several parts of the brain, with notable concentrations in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and substantia nigra. This region of the brain is responsible for regulating behavior, memory, and emotions.

Vitamin D-activating enzymes are found in multiple types of cells in the brain, especially neurons in the amygdala and glial cells in the hypothalamus, according to research. This distribution supports research claims that vitamin D can have an effect on a person's mental health. This is why vitamin D deficiency may affect mental health.

According to Psych Central, certain mental health issues are associated with low levels of vitamin D. These disorders include:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Schizophrenia
• Autism
• Depression and anxiety

Read more: Signs Of Women Experiencing Depression

How to identify and treat vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency rarely causes symptoms. Vitamin D deficiency could only be diagnosed based on blood test findings. However, the following symptoms may indicate vitamin D deficiency:

• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Inability to concentrate; forgetfulness
• Unenthusiastic
• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive weight loss or gain
• Insomnia

Doctors may suggest treatments for vitamin D deficiency, such as increasing sun exposure, eating more vitamin D-rich foods, or taking supplements. Despite the availability of vitamin D supplements on the market, it is not advisable to take them without the guidance of your doctor. An overabundance of vitamin D may result in elevated levels of calcium in the blood.

There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and mental health issues. If you have vitamin D deficiency or depression symptoms, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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