Vitamin D and mood – what’s the connection?

Video Transcript

Welcome to “A Virtual Q&A with Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacists and Registered Dietitians!” Join our pharmacists and registered dietitians as they answer your questions on various health and medication topics.

Vitamin D and mood – what’s the connection?

The sunshine vitamin is not only important for bone health, but plays a role in brain development and function. Almost every cell, including our brain cells, has a vitamin D receptor. A deficiency in vitamin D has been linked with dementia, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, autism, and even more. Research has shown that Vitamin D might play an important role in regulating mood and warning of depression. Natural fruit sources of Vitamin D are limited. The most frequently consumed are egg yolks, liver, and fatty fish like salmon and sardines. In Canada, the main sources are foods which have been fortified, such as cows milk, and milk alternatives. It can be difficult to obtain enough vitamin D from food alone, and with the natural aging process, it can become even more challenging. Therefore, supplementation under the guidance of a registered dietitian, may be the best way to ensure adequate Vitamin D intake to meet your needs.

Whether you have questions about your prescription medications, over-the-counter products, immunizations, or other health concerns, our pharmacists and registered dietitians are here to help.

The information provided is for personal use, reference and education only and is not intended to be a substitute for a physician’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific information on personal health matters

The information included in this recording is correct as of August 30th, 2021