Study debunks link between vitamin D supplements and depression
Low-Down on Vitamin D:
Vitamin D, a vital group of nutrients, is crucial for maintaining strong bones in humans. Two key compounds, vitamin D2 and D3, play a significant role in managing essential nutrients like calcium, phosphate, and magnesium within the body.
During summer months, the human body can generate vitamin D from sunlight exposure. However, from October to March, it's best to source the vitamin from foods rich in vitamin D, like oily fish and red meat, or dietary supplements, as suggested by the NHS.
Research into the link between vitamin D deficiency and depression in later life has been ongoing. Although past studies have hinted at this connection, no large-scale trial has examined the association extensively.
Recently, researchers from American universities and hospitals observed over 18,000 adults aged 50 and above to determine if taking vitamin D daily for an average of five years would prevent them from developing depression. Half of the participants received vitamin D3 supplements, while the others were given a placebo.
The study participants did not exhibit any signs of depression or depressive symptoms at its inception. Over the course of the trial, they completed questionnaires, attended psychiatric diagnostic interviews, and reported any depression diagnoses or treatment prescriptions.
After five years, the researchers observed no significant differences between the supplement and placebo groups. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that vitamin D doesn't provide health benefits.
"Vitamin D is essential for supporting bone and metabolic health," said the senior author of the study, Dr JoAnn Manson, at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Reader Q&A: Can you absorb vitamin D through a window?
Question from: Steven Collins, via Email
A common misconception is that vitamin D can be absorbed through a window. In reality, it's your skin that synthesizes vitamin D in response to sunlight, specifically the UVB portion of the ultraviolet spectrum, which falls between 270 and 300nm.
Ordinary window glass is transparent to wavelengths longer than 330 nanometres; however, to synthesize vitamin D, we need UVB wavelengths. As a result, you cannot absorb vitamin D through a window, nor can you tan sufficiently to create the vitamin.
However, at least 50% of UVA can penetrate through glass, contributing to skin aging. So, it's essential to ensure adequate vitamin D intake through food or supplements if you lack sun exposure.
Additional Insights:
Studies suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels could potentially have a positive impact on mental health. A meta-analysis involving over 500,000 individuals found that lower vitamin D levels were associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation[3]. More targeted research is required to confirm the direct impact of vitamin D3 supplementation on preventing depression in adults over 50. Additionally, it has been shown that vitamin D may have anti-aging properties by preserving telomere length[1][2][4].
- The ongoing research into the link between vitamin D deficiency and depression focuses on if taking vitamin D daily can prevent depression in adults over 50.
- The study of vitamin D's role in health and wellness extends beyond bone health, with some research suggesting a potential positive impact on mental health.
- As ordinary window glass is transparent to wavelengths longer than UVB (270-300nm), the necessary wavelength for skin to synthesize vitamin D, it is not possible to absorb vitamin D through a window.
