Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 10 Reviews
7.9
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D2 (as Ergocalciferol)
25 mcg (1,000 IU)
125%

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Vitamin D supports depression management
We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to explore how cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D, influences depressive symptoms in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This clinical study lasted for 12 weeks and involved participants who were either given a daily dose of 4000 IU of cholecalciferol or a placebo.

Throughout the study, we measured various factors, including the participants’ depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as important biological markers like C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3.

Our findings showed a significant reduction in depression scores among those taking cholecalciferol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, we observed a notable increase in C-peptide levels, which may indicate some metabolic benefits, although no significant changes were found in serotonin and neurotrophin-3 levels.

Ultimately, while cholecalciferol appears to alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms in T2DM patients through improved C-peptide levels, its impact on serotonin and neurotrophin-3 remains unclear. This highlights vitamin D as a potentially helpful option for managing depression alongside diabetes.
Read More
8
Vitamin D deficiency worsens depression
We examined the connection between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and depression in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our research, which utilized a large database from the TriNetX network, involved over 17,900 matched CKD patients aged 50 and older. They were divided into two groups based on their vitamin D levels: those with deficiency (20 ng/mL or lower) and those with adequate levels (30 ng/mL or higher).

The findings were striking. We discovered that those with VDD had nearly double the risk of developing depression within a year compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. This risk was especially pronounced in men and remained consistent across different stages of CKD. Even patients who had borderline low vitamin D levels faced an increased chance of depression.

Our study suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels might be crucial for mental health in CKD patients. However, we also recognize the need for further randomized trials to definitively establish whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent depression in these individuals. The implications of our findings could pave the way for new approaches to managing mental health in patients dealing with CKD.
Read More
We conducted a thorough search of existing studies to understand how vitamin D levels might influence depression during pregnancy and after childbirth. Our findings suggest a notable connection: women with lower vitamin D levels were found to be at a higher risk of experiencing depression.

In our analysis of 13 studies, we observed that pregnant women facing prenatal depression had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to those without depression. The statistics showed a clear difference, with a standardized mean difference of -0.41, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency could be an important factor in maternal mental health.

When we examined postpartum depression, the results were striking. Our analysis revealed a substantial association, with depressed women exhibiting much lower vitamin D levels—showing a standardized mean difference of -1.62. This points to the importance of monitoring and addressing vitamin D levels not just during pregnancy, but also after childbirth.

Ultimately, our review highlights the potential role of vitamin D in supporting mental health for mothers. Ensuring adequate levels of this vitamin could be a key element in promoting emotional well-being during such crucial periods of life.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Essential winter item
In a country with minimal sunlight, vitamin D is crucial for me in winter. Since starting it in November, I haven't faced any physical or mental issues, suggesting it's effective.
Read More
7.5
Trustworthy supplement
2 people found this helpful
I chose this vitamin D from NOW Food Company due to its reputable quality. It supports my multivitamin routine, particularly during stressful times associated with depression.
Read More
7.5
Winter support
1 people found this helpful
Living in a snowy region means I struggle to get sunlight for vitamin D. This supplement helps me cope with winter depression, and I find it easy to take daily.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7
  • All Researches
9
Vitamin D and Magnesium Aid Depression
We conducted a study to evaluate whether supplementing with magnesium and vitamin D could help alleviate mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms in individuals suffering from long-COVID. The clinical trial included 60 participants, aged 52.8 years on average, who had been diagnosed with hypomagnesemia, vitamin D deficiency, and mild-to-moderate depression.

Participants were divided into two groups: one received magnesium chloride along with vitamin D, while the other group only received vitamin D. Over four months, we monitored the effectiveness of these supplements in reducing depressive symptoms, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale to measure changes.

Our results revealed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms for those taking both magnesium and vitamin D, with 73.2% of them reaching a positive outcome score on the BDI. In contrast, the control group, which received only vitamin D, showed a less dramatic improvement, suggesting that the combined treatment may offer more benefits for those struggling with depression related to long-COVID.

While both groups experienced some improvement, our findings indicate that magnesium plus vitamin D supplementation presents a promising option for individuals coping with depression in the wake of COVID-19.
Read More
9
Vitamin D supports depression management
We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to explore how cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D, influences depressive symptoms in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This clinical study lasted for 12 weeks and involved participants who were either given a daily dose of 4000 IU of cholecalciferol or a placebo.

Throughout the study, we measured various factors, including the participants’ depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as important biological markers like C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3.

Our findings showed a significant reduction in depression scores among those taking cholecalciferol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, we observed a notable increase in C-peptide levels, which may indicate some metabolic benefits, although no significant changes were found in serotonin and neurotrophin-3 levels.

Ultimately, while cholecalciferol appears to alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms in T2DM patients through improved C-peptide levels, its impact on serotonin and neurotrophin-3 remains unclear. This highlights vitamin D as a potentially helpful option for managing depression alongside diabetes.
Read More
8
Fortified yogurt benefits depression treatment
We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial to explore how a specially fortified yogurt affects depression and sleep quality in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study involved two groups of participants: one group consumed yogurt enriched with probiotics, vitamin E, and vitamin D, while the other group received a placebo.

After eight weeks of monitoring, we observed a significant improvement in depression levels among those who enjoyed the fortified yogurt compared to the placebo group. This suggests that the combined intake of probiotics, along with vitamins, may help alleviate depressive symptoms in women suffering from PCOS. However, when it comes to sleep quality, the results didn’t show any noticeable improvement, indicating that while certain nutritional interventions can positively affect mood, they may not necessarily enhance sleep.

Overall, our findings point to the potential benefits of nutritional approaches in managing depression, particularly for individuals who may prefer alternatives to traditional antidepressant medications. However, we should remain cautious, as further research is needed to fully understand the individual effects of each component, especially vitamin D, on mental health.
Read More
8
Vitamin D and activity reduce depression
We explored the connection between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, physical activity, and the risk of developing depression in older adults. Using data from a large, longitudinal study called the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we focused on cognitively healthy individuals aged 50 and older.

Our findings showed that higher levels of 25(OH)D were associated with a significantly lower risk of depression. When we combined high levels of vitamin D with regular physical activity, the protective effect against depression was even greater, especially in those aged 65 and older.

Specifically, we noted that individuals with high levels of vitamin D and who engaged in physical activity had a 23.1% lower chance of developing depression. This combination not only highlights the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels but also emphasizes incorporating physical activity into our daily routines as essential for mental health.

Ultimately, our results underscore the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation and regular physical activity as strategies for preventing depression, particularly in older adults.
Read More
8
Vitamin D's role in depression
We aimed to understand how vitamin D intake impacts depression risk for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). By analyzing data from 3,123 CKD participants, we explored not only the effects of vitamin D alone but also how the combined intake of multiple vitamins—A, B, C, D, E, and K—might affect mental health.

Our findings indicated that higher intakes of vitamins A, B, D, and K correlated with a lower likelihood of depression. In fact, individuals who consumed more of these vitamins had significantly reduced symptoms, suggesting a protective effect against depressive states. We also found that the joint consumption of these nine vitamins plays a critical role in reducing depression, with vitamin A being the top contributor to this positive effect.

Overall, the study shows promise for vitamin D, alongside other vitamins, as potential dietary interventions for alleviating depression in CKD patients. This highlights the importance of good nutrition in supporting mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 10 Reviews
7.9
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Essential winter item
In a country with minimal sunlight, vitamin D is crucial for me in winter. Since starting it in November, I haven't faced any physical or mental issues, suggesting it's effective.
Read More
7.5
Trustworthy supplement
2 people found this helpful
I chose this vitamin D from NOW Food Company due to its reputable quality. It supports my multivitamin routine, particularly during stressful times associated with depression.
Read More
7.5
Winter support
1 people found this helpful
Living in a snowy region means I struggle to get sunlight for vitamin D. This supplement helps me cope with winter depression, and I find it easy to take daily.
Read More
7.5
Important recommendation
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient; its deficiency can lead to several issues, including depression. I highly recommend it! 👍🏼
Read More
7.5
Good quality
I really enjoyed this vitamin D! I recommend it for its quality and its help with depression!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

7.5
Improved health
I bought this due to a lack of sunlight, as I rarely have the chance to be outside. Since using it, I feel my health is improving and it seems to help with preventing depression.
7.5
Winter support
1 people found this helpful
Living in a snowy region means I struggle to get sunlight for vitamin D. This supplement helps me cope with winter depression, and I find it easy to take daily.
6
Relieving effects
1 people found this helpful
These small veggie capsules are perfect for vegans. I take them with calcium, especially during cloudy days, as they seem to help alleviate my feelings of depression.
9
Essential winter item
In a country with minimal sunlight, vitamin D is crucial for me in winter. Since starting it in November, I haven't faced any physical or mental issues, suggesting it's effective.
6
Feeling refreshed
2 people found this helpful
I feel refreshed after taking vitamin D, as it seems beneficial for depression. Although I’m not certain of its direct effects, I'm enjoying it.
7.5
Trustworthy supplement
2 people found this helpful
I chose this vitamin D from NOW Food Company due to its reputable quality. It supports my multivitamin routine, particularly during stressful times associated with depression.
9
Vitamin D supports depression management
We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to explore how cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D, influences depressive symptoms in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This clinical study lasted for 12 weeks and involved participants who were either given a daily dose of 4000 IU of cholecalciferol or a placebo.

Throughout the study, we measured various factors, including the participants’ depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as important biological markers like C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3.

Our findings showed a significant reduction in depression scores among those taking cholecalciferol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, we observed a notable increase in C-peptide levels, which may indicate some metabolic benefits, although no significant changes were found in serotonin and neurotrophin-3 levels.

Ultimately, while cholecalciferol appears to alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms in T2DM patients through improved C-peptide levels, its impact on serotonin and neurotrophin-3 remains unclear. This highlights vitamin D as a potentially helpful option for managing depression alongside diabetes.
8
Vitamin D reduces depressive symptoms
We explored how vitamin D supplementation might affect depressive symptoms and whether it has a dose-dependent relationship with these symptoms. By analyzing data from 31 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 24,200 participants, we aimed to clarify the potential benefits of vitamin D on depression. Our research revealed that, generally, increasing vitamin D intake appeared to lead to a slight reduction in depressive symptoms across different groups of individuals, whether they had a prior diagnosis of depression or not.

The effect was particularly significant for those already experiencing depressive symptoms, showing a marked improvement with higher dosages. Interestingly, we noted that the most substantial improvements occurred at a dosage of 8000 IU/day. Moreover, we found that shorter intervention periods of eight weeks or less, or those lasting between eight to 24 weeks, were associated with stronger positive effects than longer trials.

On the other hand, when it came to anxiety symptoms, vitamin D supplementation did not show a significant benefit. This suggests that while vitamin D might be a helpful tool for managing depression in the short term, we still need more high-quality trials to fully understand its impact on anxiety and to make a stronger case for its use in treating these symptoms.
8
Vitamin D and activity reduce depression
We explored the connection between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, physical activity, and the risk of developing depression in older adults. Using data from a large, longitudinal study called the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we focused on cognitively healthy individuals aged 50 and older.

Our findings showed that higher levels of 25(OH)D were associated with a significantly lower risk of depression. When we combined high levels of vitamin D with regular physical activity, the protective effect against depression was even greater, especially in those aged 65 and older.

Specifically, we noted that individuals with high levels of vitamin D and who engaged in physical activity had a 23.1% lower chance of developing depression. This combination not only highlights the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels but also emphasizes incorporating physical activity into our daily routines as essential for mental health.

Ultimately, our results underscore the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation and regular physical activity as strategies for preventing depression, particularly in older adults.
We conducted a thorough search of existing studies to understand how vitamin D levels might influence depression during pregnancy and after childbirth. Our findings suggest a notable connection: women with lower vitamin D levels were found to be at a higher risk of experiencing depression.

In our analysis of 13 studies, we observed that pregnant women facing prenatal depression had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to those without depression. The statistics showed a clear difference, with a standardized mean difference of -0.41, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency could be an important factor in maternal mental health.

When we examined postpartum depression, the results were striking. Our analysis revealed a substantial association, with depressed women exhibiting much lower vitamin D levels—showing a standardized mean difference of -1.62. This points to the importance of monitoring and addressing vitamin D levels not just during pregnancy, but also after childbirth.

Ultimately, our review highlights the potential role of vitamin D in supporting mental health for mothers. Ensuring adequate levels of this vitamin could be a key element in promoting emotional well-being during such crucial periods of life.
8
Vitamin D deficiency worsens depression
We examined the connection between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and depression in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our research, which utilized a large database from the TriNetX network, involved over 17,900 matched CKD patients aged 50 and older. They were divided into two groups based on their vitamin D levels: those with deficiency (20 ng/mL or lower) and those with adequate levels (30 ng/mL or higher).

The findings were striking. We discovered that those with VDD had nearly double the risk of developing depression within a year compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. This risk was especially pronounced in men and remained consistent across different stages of CKD. Even patients who had borderline low vitamin D levels faced an increased chance of depression.

Our study suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels might be crucial for mental health in CKD patients. However, we also recognize the need for further randomized trials to definitively establish whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent depression in these individuals. The implications of our findings could pave the way for new approaches to managing mental health in patients dealing with CKD.
We set out to uncover the connection between vitamin D deficiency and antenatal depression, a condition affecting 6 to 13% of pregnant women worldwide. Our research focused on 180 pregnant women in Pelotas, Brazil, where we examined their vitamin D levels alongside diagnosed cases of depression using a standardized assessment tool.

The results revealed a significant correlation: those diagnosed with Major Depressive Episode during pregnancy were more likely to have low levels of vitamin D. Specifically, we found an odds ratio showing that lower vitamin D was associated with a higher likelihood of depression during the antenatal period.

This finding suggests that monitoring and potentially addressing vitamin D levels in pregnant women could be crucial. By doing so, we may enhance mental health outcomes for mothers and possibly improve developmental health for their babies. Our study emphasizes the value of routine vitamin D checks during pregnancy to mitigate mental health issues in expectant mothers.

References

  1. Askarpour M, Hejazi N, Jahromi BN, Eskandari MH, Famouri M, et al. Effects of a Novel Fortified Dairy Product on the Psychological Status and Sleep Quality of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2025;30:37. doi:10.3746/pnf.2025.30.1.37
  2. Xu X, Jing F, Zhong H, Lin L, Gao T, et al. Synergistic impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and physical activity on incident depression: Evidence from prospective cohorts and genome-wide data. J Affect Disord. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.004
  3. Bostan ZZ, Şare Bulut M, Gezmen Karadağ M. Can Vıtamın D Reduce the Need for SSRI by Modulatıng Serotonın Synthesıs?: A Revıew of Recent Lıterature. Curr Nutr Rep. 2025;14:39. doi:10.1007/s13668-025-00630-7
  4. Yu C, Liu K, Yao W, Tang D. Associations between the intake of single and multiple dietary vitamins and depression risk among populations with chronic kidney disease. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1492829. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1492829
  5. Chen IW, Wang WT, Lai YC, Chang YJ, Lin YT, et al. Association between vitamin D deficiency and major depression in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cohort study. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1540633. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1540633
  6. Raza ML, Hassan ST, Jamil S, Fatima W, Fatima M. Nutritional interventions in depression: The role of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids in neuropsychiatric health. Clin Nutr. 2025;45:270. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2025.01.009
  7. Rodríguez-Morán M, Guerrero-Romero F, Barragán-Zuñiga J, Gamboa-Gómez CI, Weyman-Vela Y, et al. Combined oral supplementation with magnesium plus vitamin D alleviates mild to moderate depressive symptoms related to long-COVID: an open-label randomized, controlled clinical trial. Magnes Res. 2024;37:49. doi:10.1684/mrh.2024.0535
  8. Yuan Y, Qu L, Sun Q, He P, Zhou X. The Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Alpha Psychiatry. 2024;25:669. doi:10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2024.241553
  9. Jiang R, Lu M, Hua Y, Hong Z. Association between serum vitamin D and depression among non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2025;34:112. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202502_34(1).0011
  10. Putranto R, Setiati S, Nasrun MW, Witjaksono F, Immanuel S, et al. Effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on depressive symptoms, C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Narra J. 2024;4:e1342. doi:10.52225/narra.v4i3.1342
  11. Ghaemi S, Zeraattalab-Motlagh S, Jayedi A, Shab-Bidar S. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychol Med. 2024;54:1. doi:10.1017/S0033291724001697
  12. Carnegie RE, Zheng J, Borges MC, Jones HJ, Wade KH, et al. Micronutrients and Major Depression: A Mendelian Randomisation Study. Nutrients. 2024;16. doi:10.3390/nu16213690
  13. Centeno LOL, Fernandez MDS, Muniz FWMG, Longoni A, de Assis AM. Is Serum Vitamin D Associated with Depression or Anxiety in Ante- and Postnatal Adult Women? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2024;16. doi:10.3390/nu16213648
  14. Karnopp TE, Chapacais GF, Gasparini ML, Dos Santos NG, Freitas VDS, et al. The role of vitamin D: a promising pathway to combat neuropsychiatric lupus disorders. Clin Exp Immunol. 2025;219. doi:10.1093/cei/uxae099
  15. Santos HGD, Longoni A, Trettim JP, Lemes IT, Menchaca JC, et al. Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with antenatal depression: A cross-sectional study. Trends Psychiatry Psychother. 2024. doi:10.47626/2237-6089-2024-0908
  16. Wu J, Jiang Y, Liang J, Zhou Y, Chai S, et al. Bidirectional causality between micronutrients and mental illness: Mendelian randomization studies. J Affect Disord. 2025;369:718. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2024.09.047
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