Vitamin D is an extremely important nutrient that has powerful effects on the body. But despite its importance, many people just don’t seem to get the required daily dose. In fact, over 40% of American adults, as well as approximately 1 billion people worldwide, are vitamin D deficient!
If you don’t know, a few foods contain vitamin D; and most of it is actually produced in your skin in response to UV rays from the sun – which is why it’s sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin”.
3Bad Moods/Feeling Depressed
Vitamin D is not only an important factor in your brain’s health, it also affects your mood. The areas of your brain that are associated with mood, have vitamin D receptors. Low vitamin D levels can therefore significantly affect your brain cells.
While research is still being conducted, there is evidence to suggest that vitamin D can increase certain neurotransmitters in the brain called monoamines. These include “feel-good” substances like serotonin and dopamine. Not having enough of these chemicals in your brain can cause you to feel low, and even depressed.
