Vitamin D and mental health – an easy solution for serious problems?
Related post: Both hypervitaminosis D3 and hypovitaminosis D3 cause premature aging of CNS
What is the problem?
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked not only to bone health, but also some types of cancer, lowered immune function, and kidney disease. Recent studies showed that vitamin D may preserve cognitive function exerting its neuroprotective effects via the vitamin D receptors abundantly expressed in regions frequently affected in cases of neurodegenerative diseases such as the hypothalamus, substantia nigra, cortex and hippocampus. An increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and depression (including depression as a symptom of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, Clinical Rheumatology 1434-9949, 26, 4, April 2007) was proved to be associated with vitamin D deficiency (J Chem Neuroanat 2005;29:21-30.)
What are the causes?
- Decreased bioavailability of vitamin D can be caused by malabsorption often present in cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Whipple’s disease, Crohn’s disease, bypass surgery, and medications that reduce cholesterol absorption.
- Obesity also educes availability of vitamin D locking it in the body fat depots.
- Anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids
- Inadequate sun exposure including that due to excessive sunscreen use
(N Engl J Med 2007;357:266-81)
Prevention by supplementation
Most experts agree that current recommendations for daily intake of vitamin D are in fact inadequate: without adequate sun exposure, children and adults require approximately 800 to 1000 IU per day (J Clin Invest 2006; 116:2062-72; Primer on the metabolic bone diseases and disorders of mineral metabolism. 6th ed. Washington, DC: American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 2006:129-37; Endocrinology. Philadelphia: W.B.Saunders, 2001:1009-28)
Mohit
One of the major causes of Vitamin D dficcieney is insufficient exposure to sunlight. For this reason, people with indoor lifestyles as well as people living in regions with less sunlight are more likely to have lowered vitamin D levels. Certain health conditions and medications may also inhibit absorption or increase metabolism of the vitamin.Your mom can raise her vitamin D level by spending at least 20-30 minutes in the sun every day or taking pill supplements. Depending on the specific cause of her dficcieney, the strength of the supplement will vary:-Inadequate sun exposure: 50,000 IU per week for 8 weeks-Malabsorption caused by health conditions: 50,000 IU every day or every other day-Medications that increase vitamin D metabolism: 50,000 IU every 2 weeks for 8-10 weeksFoods rich in vitamin D, such as pickled herring, canned boned salmon, and mackerel, will also help.While red meat does combat iron dficcieney, other dietary staples such as bread and other starches inhibit the absorption of iron. Additionally, excessive blood loss and certain chronic diseases may also lead to lowered iron levels. During their childbearing years, women lose twice as much iron as men from menstruation and pregnancy. Consultation with a doctor will help your mom to uncover the particular cause of her iron dficcieney. In the meantime, meat and ferrous sulfate supplements will increase the iron in her system.