Ageless Brain » vitamin D

Vitamin D and mental health – an easy solution for serious problems?

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:14:44 +0000

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) associated with vitamin D deficiency were reported (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. 86,87

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

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)

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)

Combining mood-enhancing supplements

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:14:07 +0000

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a supplement naturally formed in the body by an enzymatic reaction. SAMe has been proposed as a treatment major depression and as an agent for improving mood and emotional well-being. SAMe works closely with folic acid and vitamin B-12. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 76, No. 5, 1158S-1161S, November 2002)

Combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation produced significant elevations in mood. (Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine 1994;9:199–204.)

Studies suggest that vitamin B9 (folate) may be associated with depression more than any other nutrient. Between 15% and 38% of people with depression have low folate levels in their bodies and those with very low levels tend to be the most depressed .

Many healthcare providers recommend a multivitamin that contains folate. If the multivitamin alone is not enough to improve folate function, the provider may suggest adding vitamins B6 and B12 to improve feelings of depression.

The vitamin B12 increases the probability of recovery from major depression and is though to do its best when taken together with other B-vitamins.

The B-complex include: biotin, choline, folic acid, inositol, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), and the six “numbered” B vitamins–vitamin B-1 (thiamin), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin), B-5 (pantothenic acid), B-6 (pyridoxine), and B-12 (cobalamin). Combination products can simplify the process of taking individual B vitamins for a range of ailments including depression and stress.

Premenstrual syndrome and calcium

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:04:17 +0000

Premenstrual syndrome, PMS is often perceived as a trait of hysterical, hypochondriac women. In fact, it is a serious medical condition with a number of unpleasant symptoms:

• fatigue and trouble sleeping
• upset stomach, bloating, constipation or diarrhea
• headache
• appetite changes or food cravings
• joint or muscle pain
• tension, irritability, mood swings, or crying spells
• anxiety or depression
• trouble concentrating or remembering
• breast swelling and tenderness

As simple a measure as higher intakes of calcium and vitamin D might be helpful in case of PMS. (Archives of Internal Medicine, June 2005).