The new meta-analysis covered a total of 53,235 study participants from 41 studies, including those with and without depression, people taking vitamin D supplements and people taking placebos, and individuals with a variety of physical conditions.
While the doses used varied, the typical vitamin D supplement was 50-100 micrograms [2,000 - 4,000 units] a day. In the participants with depression, vitamin D supplements were shown to be more effective than placebos at alleviating depressive symptoms.
Vitamin D supplements seemed to be most effective in shorter bursts (under 12 weeks), the researchers report. However, in healthy individuals, it was placebos that had a slightly greater impact on depressive symptoms.
"Our results suggest that vitamin D supplementation has beneficial effects in both individuals with major depressive disorder as well as in those with milder, clinically significant depressive symptoms," write the researchers in their published paper.
However, before we get ahead of ourselves, the data we have so far isn't enough to prove that low vitamin D levels cause depression, or that supplements are an effective treatment. Even though this new meta-analysis shows a link, previous research hasn't been quite so conclusive.
Note: Vitamin D supplementation does so many OTHER good things for you that IMO it's worth looking into whether you suffer from depression or not.
Another wonderful supplement for anxiety and depression is lithium orotate. This is different than lithium that doctor's prescribe for varous mental illnesses that has many horrible side effects. I take 5mg of bio available Lithium Orotate 2x a day. It's made a HUGE difference in my mood, my anxiety levels have plummeted and I actually wake up feeling rested. I only wish I discovered this supplement years ago, it's remarkable!
Interesting!
Maybe lithium is an undeclared trace nutrient that we are all deficient in.
The results have been nothing short of amazing. I also take 5000mg of D3 per day since the beginning of the scamdemic. Nothing has lifted my mood like lithium orotate
I'm going to remember that, I already take boron, zinc, magnesium and iodine because of conversations I have had here and I'm better for it. I do think we are short of this and that due to big agriculture and soil mineral depletion. I'm vegetarian, I've got to pay extra attention to this kind of thing.
It actually is; people who live in areas where there is more lithium in the soil tend to live longer.
Lithium used for psychiatric patients is basically the same as the lithium sold in health food stores: plain lithium combined (as it must be) with another substance such as lithium orotate -- the most common today, or lithium aspartate. The high-cost, high-dose Rx versions are lithium carbonate, and the big difference is the massive dosing: up to 1800mg/day and sometimes more (see link at start of comment). Excipients in the now-discontinued Eskalith include titanium dioxide, among other things you wouldn't want in your body. Supplements are generally more benign.
Most people using lithium supplements are taking 1 to 5 mg, not 1800; that's why psych patients have a seriously stronger response.
I take 5mg daily for the brain-protecting and longevity benefits, which are well documented. More good news: Lithium is cheap.
Soon electric car batteries will be reprocessed into lithium supplements.
Where do you get it? Does it have another name?
Amazon or any other supplement online retailer. My brand is Horbàach Bioavailable Lithium Orotate 130mg Under supplement facts on back label it reads, Lithium 5mgs ( from 130mg or lithium orotate) 180 caps @ 13.99 I would start with 1 cap a day and go from there. The recommended dosage is between 5- 20 mgs per day. It's non habit forming. Another bonus is I have zero desire to drink alcohol and more energy to get things done.
Thanks
I get NAC from Horbàach.
Me too!
Most citizens of Alaska take it for depression. They have 6mo of no sun.
so being outside in the sunshine may get rid of depression?
Yes, and for a number of reasons in addition to the vitamin D you produce.
I was taking Vit D3 and was exhausted all the time. Switched to B12 and now feel great - no migraines, and depression has lifted quite a bit.
No migraines, really?
I’m on vit D on a doctor’s recommendation. I think that may be what caused my horrible migraines for years after. Recently started taking magnesium and doing a lot better (thank God!) but they’re not gone completely.
The vitamin D has done nothing for my depression and I get a bit of sunlight every day too.
Yes, really - I'd wake up with a migraine most mornings or I'd get one at sometime during the day or night. Have the occasional headache now but it's just that a headache. It has been a miracle in my life. My doc had prescribed medical marijuana for me because I was such severe pain but I haven't had to smoke any in almost a month. It isn't a coincidence that I began taking the B12 about 1 month ago. A couple of sprays under my tongue every morning. I know people have a cow about amazon but it has the best price and since my husband is retired, we have to watch every penny.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0785G192Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you so much for answering!
I’ve been in the exact same boat as what you’re describing. I’ll look into the b12 and see if it will work for me. Im concerned about any potential for ‘amping me up’ or making me hyper. That would trigger my anxiety really badly lol.
Thank you again! You may have pointed me to the final piece in the puzzle to get rid of my migraines for good.
I was worried about the amping up too but I've had absolutely zero jitters. The B12 has actually helped my anxiety! Praying this work as well for you as it has for me. The linked B12 suggests 2 sprays/day. I started with 1 for a couple of days just in case it would make me jittery and then went to 2.
Yep
And get checked for MTHFR gene mutation, huge link to depression
Niacin is also quite helpful for mental health. I notice a huge difference on days I take vs days I don't.
Thank you
I thought that was what SAD (seasonal affect disorder) was.
GASP.
We need more sun. Shocking.
We have ancient ancestors and great-grandparents who are rolling in their graves at the all the very basic human wisdom we have lost over the last few decades.
Hey I got another one- your life depends on starting a fire and you don't have matches or a lighter. What do you do?
...have fun imitating that thing with the sticks you saw some guy do in a movie once!
How do you get them?
https://www.amazon.com/aimnaturals-Bitter-Apricot-Kernels-LARGE/dp/B0712113C3