Vitamin D Deficiency Affects Mental Health

Vitamin D deficiency, which is thought to be associated with many physical ailments such as musculoskeletal pain, heart problems, sleep disorders and depression, manifests itself through symptoms such as low energy, difficulty concentrating. An expert on the subject provided information on how to increase vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is a condition thought to be associated with many physical and mental disorders including musculoskeletal pain, heart problems, sleep disorders and depression. Depression manifests itself over a period of at least 2 weeks and for much of the day through symptoms such as sadness, lack of motivation, inability to enjoy life, changes in sleep and appetite, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Dr. Alime Burçin Şimşek, Psychiatry Specialist at Adatıp Istanbul Hospital, stated that depression can be caused by many factors, and that vitamin deficiencies also have an effect on this disorder. Providing information on how to increase vitamin D, Şimşek noted that citizens should get sun exposure and consume fish and dairy products containing vitamin D.

"You may be facing vitamin D deficiency"

Dr. Alime Burçin Şimşek, Psychiatry Specialist at Adatıp Istanbul Hospital, stated: "Especially during these days when the weather is snowy, rainy and cloudy, and we are deprived of sunlight, if you feel more tired, energyless, unmotivated and unhappy than usual, you may be facing vitamin D deficiency. Scientific studies have shown that vitamin D levels in depression patients are significantly lower compared to healthy individuals, while it has also been determined that serotonin hormone, also known among the public as the happiness hormone, increases when individuals are exposed to sunlight. Studies conducted in our country show vitamin D deficiency at rates reaching 74 percent, while a study conducted on adults living in the Aegean Region measured this rate at 66 percent in men and 79 percent in women."

Attention should be paid to addressing vitamin D deficiencies to support mental and physical health

Providing information on how to remedy vitamin D deficiencies, Şimşek stated: "Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D is more difficult to obtain directly through diet, and is synthesized through sunlight at a rate of 90 percent, whereas without support from sunlight only 10 percent can be obtained from consumed foods. To increase vitamin D through natural means, animal-based foods such as fatty fish containing vitamin D, dairy products and eggs should be consumed in adequate amounts. Outside of natural methods, artificial light therapies and vitamin supplements applied by health professionals are used in treatment when vitamin D supplementation needs to be obtained externally. Of course, our mental health cannot be separated from our physical health. Studies report that addressing vitamin D deficiency may also reduce risks related to coronavirus. To support the mental and physical health of both ourselves and our loved ones, attention should be paid to addressing our vitamin D deficiencies," he said. Source