Relationship: Mental Illness and vitamin D

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the health condition: Mental Illness

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

Vitamin D has been studied for its potential role in supporting and treating mental illness, primarily depression and, to a lesser extent, other mood disorders such as anxiety and schizophrenia. The rationale for its use is based on several lines of evidence: Vitamin D receptors are present in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, and vitamin D is involved in neuroimmune and neurotrophic processes. Epidemiological studies have found associations between low serum vitamin D levels and higher incidence of depression and other psychiatric conditions. However, these associations do not necessarily imply causation.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses present mixed results. Some RCTs report that vitamin D supplementation produces modest improvements in depressive symptoms, particularly among individuals who are vitamin D deficient. For example, a 2020 meta-analysis in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found a small but statistically significant benefit for depressive symptoms. However, other large systematic reviews and RCTs have found no significant effect, especially in non-deficient populations. Evidence for its use in other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is even weaker and largely inconclusive.

Overall, vitamin D supplementation is not considered a primary or stand-alone treatment for mental illness, but optimizing vitamin D status may be reasonable as part of a comprehensive approach, particularly in those with proven deficiency. More high-quality research is needed to clarify the relationship and therapeutic potential.

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Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the health condition: Mental Illness

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Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Mental Illness

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Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin DFor the health condition: Mental Illness

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Mental Illness

Other health conditions supported by vitamin D

Products containing vitamin D

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the health condition: Mental Illness