Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is required to keep the teeth, bones, and muscles healthy. Until recently, there hasn’t been much interest in the potential role of vitamin D deficiency in depression, but recent studies have linked Vitamin D deficiency to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety although the exact relationship is yet to be studied.
If you’ve been struggling with low mood or depression, it may be worth asking your doctor for a blood test to explore this connection further.
Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Depression?
A systematic review found that individuals with vitamin D deficiency are significantly more likely to be depressed, suggesting a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and depression.
It is worth noting that studies on this subject are conflicting, and a causative effect has yet to be established.
How Does Low Vitamin D Affect Mood?
There are several theories on how low vitamin D and depression may be connected.
Vitamin D and Brain Function
Vitamin D binds to receptors in the brain, upregulating genes required for serotonin synthesis. Serotonin is sometimes referred to as the “happy hormone.”
A vitamin D deficiency could disrupt this process, reducing the availability of serotonin in the brain and contributing to low mood and depression.
Inflammation and Mental Health
Vitamin D is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have shown a strong association between inflammatory markers and depression.
Vitamin D deficiency may therefore contribute to depression by increasing the presence of pro-inflammatory markers.
What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression?
Vitamin D deficiency and depression each have well-defined symptoms. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of the symptoms below.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
Below are the most common vitamin D deficiency symptoms:
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Fatigue and tiredness
- Bone and joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Low mood or depression
- Hair loss
- Weakened immune system
Read more about the physical symptoms in our comprehensive guide on Vitamin D Deficiency.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Below are the most common symptoms of depression:
- Low mood or sadness
- Poor concentration
- Feelings of excessive guilt
- Low self-worth
- Mood swings
- Hopelessness about the future
- Thoughts about dying or suicide
- Having no motivation or interest in things
- Finding it difficult to make decisions
- Not getting any enjoyment out of life
More information on this can be found via the NHS website.
Can Low Vitamin D Cause Anxiety?
Anxiety is a common mental health condition in which feelings of stress and worry negatively impact daily life and can be difficult to control. Younger people are generally more likely to experience some form of anxiety (28%).
It is understood that a variety of factors can influence mental health disorders such as anxiety. Researchers have been keen to explore the link between low vitamin D and anxiety as a possible contributing factor.
Observational studies have suggested that individuals with anxiety disorders are more likely to have low vitamin D levels. Furthermore, a 2024 study found that vitamin D levels were inversely associated with anxiety – meaning that as vitamin D levels increase, anxiety symptoms may decrease.
Although this is promising, there is a difference between association and a cause-and-effect relationship, and more research is needed to explore this further.
Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Mood Swings and Low Mood?
Some people with low vitamin D levels report experiencing mood swings, low mood, and emotional instability.
This may be linked to vitamin D’s role in regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which are involved in mood.
The NHS recommends that children from the age of 1 year and all adults (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) require 400 units of vitamin D daily.
If you have been diagnosed with a deficiency, you may require a high-strength loading dose followed by a maintenance dose of 400–800 units daily for 3-6 months, depending on age.
It is important to speak to a healthcare professional before using high-strength supplements, as taking excessively high doses of vitamin D can lead to toxicity. This is because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is retained in the body.
How Do I Manage Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression?
Managing vitamin D deficiency and depression often requires a combined approach that addresses both physical health and mental wellbeing – below details how you can help manage these symptoms.
Treatments for Vitamin D Deficiency
Depending on the extent of the deficiency, your doctor may recommend supplements, increased sun exposure, and incorporating foods rich in vitamin D into your diet. These include salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, UV-exposed mushrooms, and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals.
For those choosing supplements, it is important to look for high-quality products with sensible dosage instructions. One option is Hello Vitamins, which offers a range of vitamin D products formulated by expert pharmacists and designed with quality in mind.
Treatments for Depression
After assessing your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare professional may suggest one or a combination of the following treatments, depending on the type of depression:
- Exercise
- Dietary changes
- Counselling therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs)
Although, Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to low mood, depression is a complex condition which is multifactorial and requires medical input.
"If you’ve been diagnosed with low vitamin D levels, choosing a high-quality daily supplement can help support healthy vitamin D maintenance levels. Explore the Hello Vitamins Vitamin D range, developed with expert pharmacist input and clear dosage guidance."
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about vitamin D deficiency, low mood, depression, and anxiety.
Can low vitamin D make you feel anxious?
Although a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been established, low levels of vitamin D are commonly observed in those with anxiety disorders.
What vitamins help with depression and anxiety?
Certain vitamins may support mental health, especially if you are deficient. These include vitamin D, B vitamins (B6, B9, B12), omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium. However, their effects are usually modest, and they should be used alongside not instead of professional treatment.
Is vitamin D linked to seasonal depression (SAD)?
Vitamin D deficiency is commonly observed in seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but strong evidence to support vitamin D as a treatment is currently lacking.
Theoretically, reduced sunlight exposure during the winter months may increase the risk of deficiency. Vitamin D is also known to play a role in regulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, both of which can affect mood.
How long does vitamin D take to affect mood?
Vitamin D levels generally take a few weeks to months to improve, and associated symptoms such as mood may improve gradually over time.