Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the health condition: Grief and Sadness

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin D has been investigated for its potential role in mood regulation, including symptoms of sadness and depression, which may overlap with the emotional experiences of grief. Several observational studies have noted that individuals with low vitamin D levels are at greater risk for depressive symptoms. This has led to the hypothesis that vitamin D supplementation might improve mood or alleviate feelings associated with sadness. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown modest improvements in depressive symptoms with vitamin D supplementation, particularly in individuals who are deficient in the vitamin. However, results are mixed—other RCTs have found little to no benefit for mood disorders or grief specifically.

The biological rationale centers on vitamin D receptors in the brain, including areas involved in mood regulation, and its possible influence on neurotransmitter synthesis. Despite these plausible mechanisms and some supportive evidence, there is not strong or consistent scientific validation for vitamin D as a treatment for grief or sadness in people with normal vitamin D levels. Most clinical guidelines do not recommend vitamin D supplementation solely for mood-related conditions unless a deficiency is present.

In summary, while there is some scientific interest and preliminary evidence linking vitamin D and mood, the overall quality and consistency of the evidence is limited, warranting a modest rating (2/5). Supplementation may be helpful for those who are deficient, but it is not established as a primary treatment for grief or sadness.

More about vitamin D
More about Grief and Sadness

Other health conditions supported by vitamin D

Acne
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anorexia
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Birth Defects (prevention)
Body Building
Broken Bones
Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Celiac Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Erectile Dysfunction
Estrogen (low)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Grave's Disease
Grief and Sadness
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (cluster)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Hypothyroid
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Knees (weak)
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leukemia
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Muscular Dystrophy
Myasthenia Gravis
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Numbness
Nursing
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Pancreatitis
Paralysis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
PMS (general)
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Schizophrenia
Sciatica
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Senility
Tuberculosis