Is a Vitamin D Deficiency Causing Your Depression

Some research suggests a link between depression or other mental health conditions and vitamin D deficiency. Try adding vitamin D-fortified foods to your diet and lifestyle changes before reaching for supplements.
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because your body produces it when your skin is exposed to the sun.
Vitamin D may also play a role in depression, as researchers have noted that many people with depression have low vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D and depression
A 2018 study found that many people who have depression also have low blood levelsTrusted Source of vitamin D, indicating a possible connection.
Research also indicates an association between depression and low vitamin D levels in people with postpartum depression.
A small, high quality 2020 study of 56 participants with mild to moderate depression found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with an improvementTrusted Source in depression severity over 8 weeks.

Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency
Here are six risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.
Limited sun exposure
Most people’s primary source of vitamin D is sunlight. Limited sun exposure may lead to vitamin D deficiency. How much exposure you need depends on:
• local climate
• time of day
• time of year
• skin tone

Diet
Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin DTrusted Source. You can increase your intake by eating more of these great natural sources of vitamin D:
• salmon, mackerel, other fatty fish
• fish liver oils
• animal fats
• vitamin D-fortified food products such as orange juice, cereal, mushrooms
• vitamin D-fortified dairy, plant-based milk
• eggs

If you follow a vegetarian diet, vegan and vegetarian vitamin D sources include:
• fortified plant-based milk
• fruit juices
• grain products
• ultraviolet (UV) light-exposed mushrooms

Learn more about balanced eating for depression.
Darker skin tone
Distance from the equator
Obesity

Age
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and depression
Depression and vitamin D deficiency are two distinct conditions, each with its own symptoms. If you’re experiencing symptoms of either or both conditions, speak with your doctor.

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms
If you have vitamin D deficiency, you may experienceTrusted Source:
• aching bones
• fatigue or drowsiness
• weakness and pain in your muscles and joints

Depression symptoms
Some symptoms of depression may includeTrusted Source:
• overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness
• loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• excessive weight loss or weight gain