Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)
For the health condition: Depression

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin D (ergocalciferol, or D2) has been studied for its potential role in mental health, including depression. Several observational studies have found an association between low serum levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of depressive symptoms. This link is biologically plausible, as vitamin D receptors are present in brain regions involved in mood regulation, and vitamin D may influence neurotransmitter synthesis and neuroimmune modulation.

However, when it comes to intervention trials, the evidence is less robust. Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms. Results are mixed: some studies report modest improvements in mood among individuals with baseline vitamin D deficiency, while others find no significant benefit compared to placebo. The overall quality of evidence is moderate to low, often limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and heterogeneity in dosing and populations.

Guidelines do not currently recommend vitamin D supplementation as a primary treatment for depression, but it may be considered as an adjunct in individuals with documented deficiency. In summary, while there is scientific investigation and some support for vitamin D’s role in depressive symptoms, the evidence supporting its use as a treatment for depression is limited and inconsistent.

More about Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)
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Other ingredients used for Depression

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
black tea
Indian frankincense
bасора
caffeine
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
gardenia
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
krill oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnosine
l-glycine
l-methionine
l-phenylalanine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maca
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
phenolic acids
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
protein
butyric acid
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
sceletium
selenium
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sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
tongkat ali
almond fruit
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
whey protein
zinc
suma
gastrodia
mugwort
alpinia galangal
commiphora
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caesalpinia crista
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
cistanche
dodder
morinda
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
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yerba mate
hypothalamus
cocoa
thyroid substance
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bacoside
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Catalpol
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Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
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Cymbopogon Martini
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Creatine
Curcuma
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
cola nut
Canscora
Cannabichromene
Docosahexaenoic Acid
D-phenylalanine
DHEA
Devil's Club
Dopamine
Egg
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Estrogen
Folic Acid
Flavonoids
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jasmine
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
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Sweet Orange alcohol
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walnut
yohimbine
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Products containing Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.