Most of us know that vitamin D3 helps prevent almost anything from flu
to cancer by strengthening our immune systems. But little has been
publicized about D3's potential for preventing or getting out of
depression. Recent studies link D3 deficiencies to depression. And there
is some, who speculate how D3's physiological protections directly
affect moods.
D3 Depression studies and speculations
Several
studies indicate the potential for preventing and treating mental
disorders such as depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD),
anxiety, and schizophrenia. Though the studies are not considered
conclusive, the fact that there is a connection with vitamin D and mood
is apparent. You can view some of the study overviews here:
http://www.improve-mental-health.co...Another
study among the elderly in 2006 showed that those with lower levels of
vitamin D were up to 11 times more likely to be depressed than those
with healthy vitamin D blood levels.
There is speculation that vitamin D deficiency may directly affect the balance of
dopamine and
norepinephrine
receptors, which can lead to symptoms of depression. Other speculation
revolves around Vitamin D3's immune regulating responses to prevent
inflammation, which is often linked with anxiety or depression.
An
immune response that's too strong can cause inflammation, as well as a
response that is not enough allows inflammation to occur. As an immune
system regulator, vitamin D3 boosts or dampens immune responses as
needed to help prevent inflammation.
Vitamin D deficiency has
also been associated with hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormonal
activity), and hyperthyroidism has often been discovered among older
depressed men and women.
In addition to regulating the immune system up or down as needed, so too does D3 regulate the stress hormone
glucocorticoid. Too much or too little of this hormone is associated with mental disorders.
Vitamin
D3 provides an enzyme essential for creating catecholamine
neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.
These neurotransmitter imbalances are associated with bipolar disorders,
schizophrenia, and of course, depression.
It's also known that
the summer sun, which has the highest amount of UVB vitamin D3 creating
rays, increases serotonin levels. Summertime is the time to ditch any
skin cancer paranoia and get plenty of reasonable direct sunlight to the
skin.
Reviewing D3 in general
Although the label vitamin
D3 is widely accepted, it is not just a vitamin. It is also a
prohormone, which acts as a support to existing hormones or as a
precursor for more hormonal production.
Vitamin D3 or
cholecalciferol is synthesized by the action of the sun's or tanning lamp's ultraviolet B (UVB) spectrum with
7-dehydrocholesterol
molecules in our skin. Most vitamin D3 supplements are created by
exposing the 7-Dehydrocholesterol molecules of lanolin from sheep's wool
to UVB rays.
Of course, winter is an obvious time to take high
doses of D3 supplements. Blood serum levels of D3 can be tested to
ensure what dosage you may need for your body's optimum health. But
around 5000 international units (iu) or more per day is not unusual for
many. Not to worry, apparently it's difficult to OD on D3.
It's
nice to know you can strengthen and stabilize your moods and protect
your mental health, in addition to many other physiological health
benefits, with Vitamin D3.
Sources for this article include:http://www.sott.net/articles/show/2...http://www.activistpost.com/2011/11...http://www.improve-mental-health.co...http://journals.lww.com/ajgponline/...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohor...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D
