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Question Jun 15, 2019 at 06:47 AM
  #1
Do they actually help alleviate depression? I've read articles about how low vitamin D is linked to depression.. but since starting to take vitamin D capsules, I'm not sure how much they'll help. I haven't noticed any improvement or worsening mood from using them.
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Default Jun 15, 2019 at 07:02 AM
  #2
In my experience they do seem to help along with my normal medication regimen. I definitely notice a difference when I don't take them.
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Default Jun 15, 2019 at 07:17 AM
  #3
This may be something that helps some people. There has been a vitamin D promotional to health care providers for a number of years for various problems. It's been given to the elderly supposedly to 'prevent falls' although research fails to find any evidence that it does, also recommended with Calcium for (absorption/I forget---the nurse is getting old) and taking Calcium/D again is not supported by the evidence over time and studies. In my career I noticed a number of supplements and medications that were touted for a specific purpose and, when it became clear it didn't work, another "purpose" was tried.
I wonder if enough depends on genomics that there are benefits for some, not others.
Or, it is just marketing. (genomics: eg-you can be tested to see if you will benefit from certain treatment for Hepatitis C...)

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Default Jun 18, 2019 at 01:18 AM
  #4
The best way to get vitamin D is to be outside in the sun everyday even if its only 15 minutes.

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Default Jun 18, 2019 at 10:24 AM
  #5
Have you actually tested your vitamin D?

Your doctor can do it (blood test), or you can go to one of the "do it yourself" lab test places (they will do the blood draw).

There's a home test, but I don't recommend it. I've done it twice, and found it incredibly painful (they provide a small lancet that cuts your finger, and you have to create blood spots on a card and send it back to the lab for testing. The lancet required a lot of pressure to activate - I ended up bruising my fingers. It was terrible!)

Knowing if you're actually low can help you see if you need the supplement or not.

I was extremely low (clinically too low, low 20s, I believe) originally. I supplemented and got up to a good range (can't remember exactly, fairly high, above 50). Then became inconsistent with my supplements.

Just had my doctor check it last month, and it's low again. So, I'm taking supplements again.

As we get older, our skin doesn't convert Vitamin D from the sun as efficiently, so you may still need supplements, even if you get outside enough. I'm pale and burn easily, so it's hard for me to get out in the sun, and I'm usually covered up (and/or wearing sunscreen).

For supplements, you'll want to take one that includes oil, as it helps boost absorption (vitamin D is fat-soluble). The one I use (that successfully raised my D-levels previously) is "Country Life" - made with medium-chain triglycerides (type of fat that is easy to digest).

For me, I didn't really notice a link between my D-levels and depression, but I wasn't tracking it either and was trying to make a lot of other changes (exercise, food).

Good luck.
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Default Jun 24, 2019 at 06:40 AM
  #6
I've taken vitamin D for ages, and notice that it does improve my mood. It's definitely not a substitute for anti-D's, but it helps. Or more accurately I'd say I notice my mood dips if I don't take it.

But like everything psych, it seems different people respond differently to different treatments.

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Vitamin D supplements
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Default Jun 27, 2019 at 05:29 AM
  #7
@guilloche I tested my vitamin D sometime last year and I did have a deficiency. I'm not sure if it's still too low but I guess that means supplementing could help me then.
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