Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of depression. A new study conducted by the researchers from the University of Georgia reveals the association of the lack of Vitamin D to increased risk for depression.
The research team was led by Alan Stewart of the College of Education at the University of Georgia and their study was published in the journal Medical Hypotheses.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a form of depression generally begins in fall and will continue through winter. It can affect approximately 10% of the US population. The symptoms of this disorder entail anxiety, fatigue, problems with concentration, irritability and feelings of hopelessness.
However, the exact cause of this disorder is still unclear. There are many studies that suggest that the lack of sunlight during these times may lead to the emergence of the disorder and this is common among people living in a place with high altitudes and experience more time without sunlight.
The study claims that the lack of Vitamin D in the body may be behind the theories related to SAD.
"We hypothesize that rather than functioning primarily as a proximal or direct sub-mechanism in the etiology of SAD, vitamin D likely functions in a more foundational and regulative role in potentiating the sub-mechanisms associated with the depressive and seasonality factors," the researchers mentioned.
They added, "We hypothesize that rather than functioning primarily as a proximal or direct sub-mechanism in the etiology of SAD, vitamin D likely functions in a more foundational and regulative role in potentiating the sub-mechanisms associated with the depressive and seasonality factors."
Therefore, it is logical that there is a relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and depressive symptoms. SAD is most common among early adulthood and around 75% of individuals with SAD are women. Hence, the treatment involves light therapy.