World Mental Health Day: Relationship of Vitamin D and Mental Health

Introduction

Through the struggles of daily life, mental health often gets overlooked. Many of us tend to be prone to depression, anxiety, mood disorders and other mental health issues. However, due to a lack of apparent physical symptoms and social stigma, these conditions are often overlooked. This is why World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10th every year. October 10th marks the day when awareness about mental health conditions is raised and an aim is made to reduce social stigma related to mental health conditions. On this World Mental Health Day, MedCab presents to you insights on the impact of Vitamin D deficiencies on mental health. While many other external conditions can impact one’s mental health, Vitamin D often has the capacity to affect moods.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Mental Health

Vitamin D is important for the physical body as well as mental health as it plays an important role in neuroprotection as well as modulation of inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk and severity of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.  Vitamin D also helps with neurotransmitter regulation in the body. Neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors are crucial for mood and behaviour, while neuroprotection is important for supporting brain health.

Evidence suggests vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in individuals with psychiatric disorders and is associated with increased depressive symptoms and poorer psychiatric outcomes [1].  Furthermore, evidence also suggests that vitamin D supplementation may help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Accordingly, Vitamin D screening through blood tests and vitamin profiles can be important in the treatment of mental health issues.

Habits to Improve Mental Health

Besides understanding the link of Vitamin D to mental health, it is also important to consider other positive lifestyle changes that support your mental health. On this World Mental Health Day, let us take steps to protect our mental health by cultivating the following habits –

• Cultivating Social Bonds: Developing strong friendships and community support can create a sense of belonging and elevate the mood.
• Engage in hobbies and learn new skills: Hobbies and challenges can boost confidence, self-esteem, and provide a sense of purpose.
• Practice gratitude: Regularly practising gratitude can create a positive outlook towards life.
• Eat a balanced diet: Nourish your body and brain with healthy foods, as diet significantly impacts mood and energy levels.
• Physical activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood, memory, and concentration.
• Spend time in nature: Being outdoors can have a positive impact on your mental well-being.
• Seeking professional help: Help from a therapist or counsellor can help you navigate challenging emotions or mental health conditions.
• Maintaining Vitamin D Levels: Get your Vitamin D levels tested and maintain them with the help of supplementation, foods rich in Vitamin D and regular sun exposure during the morning hours.

Vitamin Profile with MedCab

 MedCab has one of the most reliable pathology services all over India. For a smooth and hassle-free experience, choose MedCab when booking a vitamin profile. This can give you information about your Vitamin D levels as well as levels of other essential vitamins, such as B12 and Folic Acid.

We value the convenience and comfort of the customer. This is why our sample collection professional will reach the location of your choosing, be it home or office. Avoid crowded areas and the risk of infections in pathology labs by choosing MedCab’s blood sample collection services from the convenience of your home. Besides the vitamin profile test, MedCab also offers package deals, such as –

• MedCab Cut Health Package – includes complete blood count (CBC), lipase, liver function (LFT), and GGTP tests, and 35 overall parameters.
• MedCab Healthy Heart Basic -  includes Glucose Fasting (BSF), CBC Profile, ESR, HbA1C (Glycosylated Haemoglobin), High Sensitivity CRP, KFT (Max), Lipid Profile, LFT (Max), Urine Profile test and 75 overall parameters.
• MedCab Full Body Check Up Comprehensive – includes CBC Profile, Urine Profile, Lipid, KFT, LFT, Glucose Fasting, ESR, IgE Total antibody, Iron Studies, RF, Thyroid Profile Total, Vitamin, and 85 overall tests.
• MedCab Advance Fever Care – includes  CBC Profile, Widal, Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, LFT (Mini), Urine Profile test and 57 overall parameters. 

Conclusion

On this World Mental Health Day, book a vitamin profile and get your Vitamin D levels tested with MedCab. Mental health conditions are often overlooked, but have serious implications and impact an individual’s ability to take part in day-to-day life. Mental health challenges can severely impact the quality of a person’s life. Take the steps to cultivate one positive habit for better mental health daily and ensure you experience a positive quality of life.

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Learn More About MedCab’s Pathology Services: https://medcab.in/blog-detail/medcabs-pathology-services-home-sample-collection-made-easy

References

[1] Faugere, M., Maakaron, É., Achour, V., Verney, P., Andrieu-Haller, C., Obadia, J., Fond, G., Lançon, C. and Korchia, T., 2025. Vitamin D, B9, and B12 Deficiencies as Key Drivers of Clinical Severity and Metabolic Comorbidities in Major Psychiatric Disorders. Nutrients, 17(7), p.1167.