Vitamin D and Mood

Kathi J. Kemper, MD has written on Vitamin D and Mood in her book "Mental Health, Naturally". Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is also known as the sunshine vitamin. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with depressive symptoms. Supplements of vitamin D can improve mood in people with depression and low levels of vitamin D. Suboptimal levels of vitamin D are widespread, even in adolescents living in sunny places. Inadequate vitamin D levels can be prevented by sensible sun exposure along with adequate dietary intake and supplements as needed to maintain healthy blood levels. Good food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, fish liver oil, oysters, and fortified foods and beverages.