Synopsis

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

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) has been investigated as a treatment or supportive therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) due to the observation that vitamin D levels often decrease in winter months, potentially paralleling the onset of depressive symptoms in individuals with SAD. Some early observational studies and small clinical trials suggested an association between low vitamin D levels and increased risk or severity of SAD. Mechanistically, vitamin D receptors are present in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, and vitamin D is thought to influence the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

However, the scientific evidence supporting vitamin D supplementation specifically for SAD is limited and mixed. A few small randomized trials have investigated vitamin D supplementation for SAD, with inconsistent results. For example, one 1998 study found some improvement in mood with vitamin D supplementation compared to phototherapy, but subsequent and larger studies have not consistently replicated these findings. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews have generally concluded that while vitamin D deficiency may be associated with depressive symptoms, there is insufficient evidence to recommend vitamin D as a standalone treatment for SAD.

In summary, scientific interest in the role of vitamin D in SAD exists, and there is some biological plausibility, but robust clinical validation is lacking. Vitamin D supplementation may be considered in individuals who are deficient, but it should not be regarded as a primary or evidence-based treatment for SAD.

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