Dose of Sunshine: SAD & Vitamin D  

As winter fades away, the last of the dwindling daylight and colder temperatures can significantly impact people’s moods and energy levels. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), often referred to as “seasonal depression” or “winter blues,” is a recurrent mood disorder that typically sets in during the fall and lasts through the winter. Its symptoms include depressed mood, increased sleep, overeating, and carbohydrate cravings. One distinguishing feature of seasonal affective disorder is its cyclical, seasonal nature, primarily occurring in the winter.1  

MOOD BOOST

Research suggests that there is a potent ally in combating seasonal affective disorder: vitamin D. While vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin, is widely recognized for its role in regulating calcium absorption and maintaining bone and heart health, it also plays a crucial role in mood regulation. 

References

1. Rosenthal, N. E., et al. (1984). Seasonal affective disorder. A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy. PubMed 

1. Huiberts, L. M., & Smolders, K. C. H. J. (2020). Effects of vitamin D on mood and sleep in the healthy population: Interpretations from the serotonergic pathway. ScienceDirect 

NCBI 

1. Kerr, D. C. R., et al. (2015). Associations between Vitamin D Levels and Depressive Symptoms in Healthy Young Adult Women. PubMed 

1. Forrest, K. Y. Z., & Stuhldreher, W. L. (2011). Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults. PubMed 

1. Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med. NEJM