Relationship: Seasonal Affective Disorder and vitamin D3

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D3
For the health condition: Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin D3 has a scientific rationale for use in supporting or treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but the evidence is limited and somewhat inconsistent, warranting a modest rating. The connection is primarily based on the observation that vitamin D levels tend to be lower in individuals during winter months and among those with SAD. Vitamin D receptors are present in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, and low vitamin D status has been associated with increased risk of depression in some observational studies.

A few small randomized controlled trials have examined vitamin D supplementation for SAD, with mixed results. Some studies have reported modest improvements in depressive symptoms with vitamin D supplementation, while others have found no significant effect compared to placebo. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while vitamin D deficiency may be associated with depressive symptoms, supplementation does not consistently alleviate SAD or major depressive disorder. The strongest evidence for SAD treatment remains light therapy, with vitamin D supplementation sometimes considered as an adjunct, particularly in those found to be deficient.

In summary, while there is a plausible biological mechanism and some preliminary clinical evidence, vitamin D3 supplementation is not strongly validated as an effective standalone treatment for SAD. Testing and correcting deficiency may be reasonable, but vitamin D3 should not replace evidence-based therapies like light therapy or psychotherapy.

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Other ingredients used for Seasonal Affective Disorder

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
l-tryptophan
magnesium
melatonin
omega-3 fatty acids
vitamin D
vitamin D3
St. John's Wort

Other health conditions supported by vitamin D3

Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Eczema
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Lupus
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Teeth (loose)
Testosterone (low)
Tooth Decay
Tuberculosis
Wounds and Sores

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Health Concerns

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Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D3
For the health condition: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D3For the health condition: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Other health conditions supported by vitamin D3

Products containing vitamin D3

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D3
For the health condition: Seasonal Affective Disorder