Vitamin D’s Deficiency

Chances are fat that maybe you are not getting enough exposure to sun. Research says that about 77% of Americans do not have adequate levels of vitamin D. Studies have linked low vitamin D levels with number of diseases like cardiovascular, cancer, osteoporosis (thin bones), rickets and osteomalacia, which may result in weak bones, fractures, bone pain and weakness.
While studying the subject, it is found that low levels of this vtamin are related to mental illnesses also, as it is stated in Vitamin D Council web site.
1.     Epidemiological evidence shows an association between reduced sun exposure and mental illness.
2.     Mental illness is associated with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels.
3. Mental illness shows a significant comorbidity with illnesses thought to be        associated with vitamin D deficiency.
4. Theoretical models (in vitro or animal evidence) exist to explain how vitamin D deficiency may play a causative role in mental illness.
5. Studies indicate vitamin D improves mental illness.
According to a research, as humans have migrated out of the sun, mental illnesses also have increased alarmingly. Epidemiological evidence is present to support the connection between vitamin D deficiency and mental illness. Two small reports confirmed the link of low 25(OH)D levels with mental illness and both were positive. Depression has considerable co-morbidity with illnesses associated with hypovitaminosis D such as osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.Further more vitamin D has a significant biochemistry in the brain. Nuclear receptors for vitamin D exist in the brain and vitamin D is involved in the biosynthesis of neurotrophic factors, synthesis of nitric oxide synthase, and increased glutathione levels — all suggesting an important role for vitamin D in brain function. 

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