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Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Depression |
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Written by Dr Margaret
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May 14, 2008 at 12:47 PM |
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A study in the Annals of Psychiatry May 2008 has found an association between depression and low levels of Vitamin D in the elderly. The researchers found that persons with depression had significantly lower levels of Vitamin D compared with those who did not. Regular sun exposure is necessary to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D. Sun protection measures have become commonplace in the past decade having the consequence in Australia of an increasing number of people having insufficient vitamin D levels. Vitamin D aids in maintaining healthy bones and controlling calcium balance. It now also appears to be linked to mental health. Fifteen to thirty minutes per day of direct sunlight is recommended to keep healthy Vitamin D levels, and more in dark-skinned persons. More sun exposure is needed in winter and less in northern areas of Australia. A position statement on Vitamin D deficiency in Australia published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 2005 reported that a significant number of Australians are deficient in vitamin D and it is a fallacy that Australians receive adequate vitamin D from casual exposure to sunlight. Those at greatest risk of Vit D deficiency include the elderly, especially those in residential care, persons with skin conditions where avoidance of sunlight is advised and those with dark skin. Exposure of hands, face and arms to one-third of the amount of sunlight that produces a faint redness of skin most days is recommended for the body to produce sufficient vitamin D . However, deliberate sun exposure between 10:00 and 14:00 in summer (11:00–15:00 daylight saving time) is not advised. If this sun exposure is not possible, then a vitamin D supplement of at least 400 IU (10 μg) per day is recommended.
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Medical Research from International Journals 