Some research suggests a possible link between depression and vitamin D deficiency. However, it’s not clear whether increasing vitamin D intake could relieve depression symptoms.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that’s critical for bone health. It may also affect your mental health.

If you’re experiencing depression and think it may be connected to your vitamin D levels, ask your doctor about checking your levels and additional steps you may want to take.

A 2022 research review suggests that low vitamin D levels are associated with depression symptoms.

Researchers have proposed a few theories about how vitamin D deficiency and depression may be connected.

First, vitamin D binds to certain brain receptors and influences emotional processing. A deficiency may disrupt this process.

A vitamin D deficiency may also adversely affect mood by disrupting the body’s production of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood.

Lastly, inflammation may influence the development of depression, and vitamin D can help regulate inflammation.

Ultimately, more research is necessary to understand the relationship between vitamin D levels and depression.

Some research, including a 2020 research review and analysisTrusted Source, suggests that vitamin D supplementation may have a beneficial effect on negative emotions associated with conditions like major depressive disorder.

However, other studies have come to different conclusions.

A small 2019 trial involving adults ages 60 to 80 with clinically relevant depression symptoms didn’t show any benefits from supplementation with 1200 IU of vitamin D per day for a year.

Similarly, the Office of Dietary SupplementsTrusted Source notes that many clinical trials haven’t concluded that vitamin D supplementation can help prevent or manage depression symptoms.

More research is needed to determine how improving vitamin D levels might affect depression.

How much vitamin D should you get?

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, a daily dose of 600 IUTrusted Source of vitamin D may be adequate for general health in healthy adults.

Some people may need a higher dose if they’re trying to manage a vitamin D deficiency. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before trying supplements, as taking extremely high dosesTrusted Source of vitamin D for long periods can lead to vitamin D toxicity.

The bottom line is that experts haven’t identified a single, optimal vitamin D dose for depression or general health. Ask a healthcare professional about a dose that may be right for your specific situation.

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 experience:

  • aching bones
  • fatigue or drowsiness
  • weakness and pain in your muscles and joints

Depression symptoms

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness
  • loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • unintended weight loss or gain
  • sleep disturbances and fatigue
»Learn more:Depression symptoms

Tip

If you’re experiencing physical and mental health symptoms that you believe may be connected, try recording your symptoms in a journal or app. This may help you identify trends and could also help your doctor determine an appropriate management plan.

Vitamin D deficiency and depression require different treatments since they’re separate conditions.

Treatments for vitamin D deficiency

A doctor may advise you to address vitamin D deficiency and its symptoms by increasing your intake through:

  • vitamin D supplements
  • sun exposure with proper skin protection
  • certain foods, including:
    • salmon, mackerel, and other fatty fish
    • fish liver oils
    • vitamin D-fortified food products such as orange juice and cereal
    • vitamin D-fortified dairy or plant-based milk
    • ultraviolet (UV) light-exposed mushrooms
    • egg yolks

Treatments for depression

Doctors commonly prescribe psychotherapy and antidepressant medications to manage depression. These approaches may be incorporated separately or in combination with dietary changes, depending on your symptoms and treatment goals.

Speak with a doctor about your treatment options and what may work best for you.

Need help for depression?

If you’re looking for support for anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, here are some organizations and resources that offer it:

Vitamin D is a key nutrient for your physical health, and it may also affect your mental health.

Research suggests a possible connection between vitamin D deficiency and depression symptoms. However, it’s not clear whether vitamin D supplementation can relieve these symptoms.

Reach out to a doctor or mental health professional if you’re experiencing depression symptoms or if you believe you may have a vitamin D deficiency.