Recognizing the 10 Indicators of Vitamin D Shortage

6. Your Mood is Low

Vitamin D deficiency is directly related to depression. That is because vitamin D plays a huge role in mood regulation. Many of the brain's major receptors are vitamin D, especially those in the brain linked to mental health. This one fact links mental health to vitamin D deficiency.

It is not fully understood why or how the vitamin affects mood but the evidence is mounting. In 2006, a study showed that older adults with less than adequate levels of vitamin D were at an increased risk for depression. There is evidence that adding vitamin D by either dietary or supplemental means can help those who struggle with depression and seasonal affective disorder, which is a more depressed mood during the colder winter months.