I have posted on the benefits of high dose vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with regard to reducing the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) before. Those of us living at high northern latitudes as I do in the UK, or indeed in lower southern latitudes, are particularly susceptible to SAD. This is not simply do to a lack of natural light but also it seems as a result of insufficient vitamin D which plays a key role in many important metabolic pathways throughout the body, including regulating the production of serotonin, melatonin and many other neurotransmitters and hormones that are vital for positive and stable moods.

Anyway, to the point of this post! In previous years I have taken vitamin D3 (the form produced in the skin during sun exposure) in a single high weekly dose of 25,000IU. I found however that this produced peaks and troughs in my mood with an initial significant brightening followed by a noticeable tailing off after 3-4 days.

So, this year I decided taking lower daily doses was probably a better way to go - and indeed this has turned out to be the case. I am now taking 3000IU each day and still get the SAD-busting benefits but without any relapse.

If you suffer from SAD, or even milder 'winter blues', I would highly recommend looking into vitamin D3 as a treatment - especially if blood tests show a deficiency or even borderline low levels. It has been much more effective than light therapy for me.

As always, it would be great to hear from you all, whether you have a success story of your own to share or simply want to find out more and discuss with others...