Most of us know of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and that it can start to affect some of us around the colder, darker, winter months. We also know of the physical benefits of vitamin D, that it helps strengthen our bones and keep our teeth healthy; however, less widely understood are its beneficial properties in supporting our mental health. Now a review has been published outlining this vital vitamin’s ability to support those with mental health concerns, in particular SAD. The team behind the paper comment that their research indicates that vitamin D has a positive impact in reducing symptoms of SAD, for example, the nutrient is thought to be involved in the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine - both linked to regulating mood and supporting depression, a common symptom associated with this condition (sciencedaily/releases/2014/12/141202111148.htm). At our nutrition clinic for mental health, the Brain Bio Centre, we regularly analyse levels of vitamin D in our clients and find that when an imbalance is corrected there is often a positive impact on symptoms (brainbiocentre). As we can see, scientific evidence is increasingly pointing to the fact that it is very important for us to ensure we keep our levels of vitamin D optimum, particularly during winter when we have less sun exposure (the best natural source of vitamin D). Vitamin D is found in some food in small amounts (oily fish, eggs, fortified cereals) but is best taken as a supplement to ensure the body has a constant supply. In more vitamin D news this week it was reported that to boost absorption by up to 32% the supplement should be taken with a meal including a fat source, it is understood that this could be due vitamin D being a fat soluble vitamin (nutraingredients/Ingredients/Vitamins-premixes/Vitamin-D-supplements-should-be-taken-with-a-meal-to-boost-absorption-Study/?utm_source=newsletter_product&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=02-Dec-2014&c=e3CSHYBylGGi%2BeziedUidgpiZa7Z2Lew). Do you already take a vitamin D supplement? If so have you experienced any benefits?
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 16:56:32 +0000
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