Researchers in Saudi Arabia recently published a study in the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, showing a connection between vitamin D deficiency and depression among university-age students.
The researchers recruited nearly 300 participants between the ages of 20 and 26. They collected responses from the participants using the DASS 21—a 21-question questionnaire used for measuring depression, anxiety, and stress—as well as questionnaire for health habits, including sunscreen use, diet, tanning bed use, and vitamin D supplements.
Diet was assessed specifically for the following foods:
- Fatty fish
- Dairy products
- Soy milk
- Cereals
- Beef liver
- Cheese
- Egg yolks
Participants who ate the above foods the most were the least likely to have a vitamin D deficiency.
Speaking of vitamin D deficiency, the researchers found that there was a significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency among participants and prevalence of depression.
This is one more study in a growing body of research showing a connection between what we eat and our mental health. Here at Truehope, we’ve been promoting nutrition as mental health treatment for over 20 years.