Helping Prevent Seasonal Depression with Vitamin D

Are you one of millions of Americans who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? It can happen during the winter months when you get less exposure to radiation from the sun. It may be related to changes in hormones such as melatonin, but it can also be related to low vitamin D levels in the body. The PatchAid Vitamin D3 and Calcium Patch is high in vitamin D3 and you might want to ask your doctor about whether it can help keep your mood normal this winter.

How Does SAD Relate to Vitamin D?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs in many people during the fall and winter months when days are shorter. You may notice feeling down or having trouble managing daily activities. It is sometimes related to changes in a sleep hormone, melatonin, or a neurotransmitter, such as serotonin. But it can also be related to low vitamin D levels in winter months.

Low Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D insufficiency is common in the US. It is worse in winter, since people are exposed to less UV radiation from the sun. This is especially true in northern or cold climates. Lower exposure can contribute to SAD. Low vitamin D is also harmful because vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and a strong immune system.

Why a Patch for Vitamin D

It is hard to get enough vitamin D from exposure to sunlight during the winter months or if you wear sunscreen regularly. In addition, vitamin D is not in that many foods. You might get it from fatty fish or fortified milk, among a few other foods, but not many people get enough just from their diets.

A patch is an easy way to get more vitamin D without taking oral supplements. The PatchAid Vitamin D3 and Calcium Patch has 5500 IU of vitamin D, or 1375% of the daily value. The vitamin D in the patch is in the form of vitamin D3, which is the active form in the body.

Other Nutrients in the Patch

The PatchAid Vitamin D3 and Calcium Patch also has 1,400 mg of calcium, which is an essential nutrient for bone health as well as for proper nerve and muscle function. Magnesium is needed for proper muscle relaxation and function, and the patch has 350 mg. In addition, there are 350 mcg of vitamin K2, which is needed for healthy bones and blood.

Other Mood Boosters

There are other factors in mood and depression, and these are some additional treatments to ask your doctor about when discussing seasonal depression.

• Light therapy with a special, very bright, lamp. 
• Psychotherapy to help manage side effects.
• Medications.

In addition, a healthy diet and regular physical activity can support a better mood. They are not a treatment for depression, but they can play a role in improving outlook.

Your doctor can test for vitamin D levels with a simple blood test, and then may recommend a supplement such as the PatchAid Vitamin D3 and Calcium Patch. With SAD being so impactful, it is important to do what you can to prevent or treat it as soon as you can!