Anxiety & Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a naturally occurring, fat-soluble vitamin available in a few foods, such as salmon, mackerel and cod liver oil, in supplement form and in sunshine. Your body is most efficient at making vitamin D when sunshine is absorbed through the skin, but since excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause other health problems, dietary supplementation may be necessary. The relationship between vitamin D and anxiety isn't fully understood, but if you suffer from anxiety, a vitamin D deficiency could be a factor.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders cause symptoms of excessive fear and uncertainty unrelated to any real threat, and can be caused by a combination of genetic, physiological and psychological factors. Poor nutrition may be among these factors. The most common types of anxiety disorder are Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, and panic disorder. Symptoms of GAD include long-term irritability, tension, worry and obsessive thinking; panic disorder causes panic attacks whose symptoms can mimic a heart attack, choking or suffocation. If you suspect you have an anxiety disorder, you should see a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Vitamin D, Calcium, and Anxiety

Calcium is best known for its role in bone health, but calcium deficiency can also cause feelings of anxiety, depression and exhaustion. Calcium plays an important part in the nervous system by providing the means for electrical impulses to be transmitted through the nerves, and if the body has too much or too little of this nutrient, it can interfere with brain function. Vitamin D is necessary to form the hormone calcitriol, which your body needs to absorb calcium. So, even if you're supplementing with calcium, a vitamin D deficiency means you may not be able to absorb it. If you think your anxiety may be linked to calcium deficiency, talk to your doctor. Adding more vitamin D and safe levels of exposure to sunlight may help.

Fibromyalgia and Vitamin D

The complex and potentially serious disease fibromyalgia is characterized by muscle and joint pain, fatigue, sleep problems, headaches and symptoms of anxiety and depression. A 2007 study published in the journal "Clinical Rheumatology" shows that 69 percent of the fibromyalgia patients studied had either deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency was more common in the patients who showed signs of anxiety. Scientists will need more data to confirm the link, but if you suffer from fibromyalgia accompanied by anxiety, consider asking your doctor whether vitamin D supplementation might be appropriate.

Treating Anxiety with Vitamin D

To treat your anxiety, first contact a qualified physician, psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Your physician can diagnose any health problems that may have been caused by vitamin D deficiency, such as rickets. Serious illness and improper nutrition can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. A psychiatrist or therapist will treat anxiety with a combination of therapy, medication or alternative therapies such as supplements. If you decide to try vitamin D supplementation, check with your doctor to determine the right dose for you. The Institute of Medicine recommends a daily intake of 600 IU for most healthy adults, with an upper level of 4,000 IU. Since too much vitamin D can cause kidney and tissue damage, make sure to stay within those limits. Whether or not your anxiety is caused by a vitamin D deficiency, a healthy diet and lifestyle, including balanced nutrition and regular exercise, is crucial to maintaining both physical and emotional well-being.