Vitamin D and Mental Illness
Animal data indicates that tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for all the brain's monoamines, is increased by vitamin D. Rats born to severely vitamin D deficient dams have profound brain abnormalities.
We found only three small studies in which vitamin D was given to improve mood, but two found a positive effect. The negative study used homeopathic doses (low doses) of vitamin D2 ergocalciferol.
Finally we briefly review toxicity and suggest treatment. Fear of vitamin D toxicity is unwarranted but rampant in the medical profession. Because vitamin D deficiencies are so widespread in the western world, psychiatrists should suspect the deficiency—especially in blacks, the aged, and those who avoid the sun. Serum 25(OH)D levels should be obtained when deficiency is suspected. Judicial exposure to sunlight, oral vitamin D, or both, aimed at restoring circulating levels of 25(OH)D between 35–55 ng/mL, is the treatment of choice for vitamin D deficiency in mentally ill patients. Cholecalciferol is the preferred oral preparation of vitamin D.
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I have read many things about the many benefits of vitamin D and I decided to ask my doctor to test my levels. I have a chronic pain condition and suffer from periods of depression and insomnia. While my levels were on the low end of the normal range, I am supplementing my diet to raise my levels. I have noticed that my pain control has been very good and some of my pain triggers (cold weather) have not bothered me as much as winter approaches. I plan to have my levels tested again in a couple months and will adjust my dose accordingly.