question and answer
Vitamin D for a sunny mood
September 2009
On vitamin D and depression, what’s the evidence? What are the indications, recommendations for dose and duration in children and in adults? MICHAEL CHENG, MD, Ottawa, ON

There are only a few studies that have looked at the relationship between vitamin D and depression, and very few trying to establish whether vitamin D supplementation is helpful. There have been studies that show an association between low mood and low vitamin D levels. A few trials have suggested that vitamin D supplementation does elevate mood, but several others have shown no effect. Those that did report an effect (in adults) used fairly high doses, of 1,000 IU or more.

There are currently no indications for the use of vitamin D supplementation in depression, and no recommendations about dose or duration. No studies have looked at the use of vitamin D to affect mood in kids. The use of vitamin D is entirely experimental, and requires more research to establish whether it’s helpful, safe, and what doses are therapeutic. These parameters are yet to be established for both the adult and child population.

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