Without enough vitamin D, we are unable to synthesize serotonin.
Serotonin regulates our mood, whether we have positive or negative thoughts, inner rest and confidence, appetite, sleep, cognitive functions like memory and learning!
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s vital for many brain functions including regulating dopamine levels. Dopamine plays an important role in reward-mediated behavior.
Why do we need Vitamin D to make serotonin?
Vitamin D is needed to support the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin. Being outdoors in the sunshine allows our bodies to make our own vitamin D.
Sunlight (via the retina of the eye) also affects our pineal gland’s ability to produce serotonin. When it gets dark outside, we use a certain amount of serotonin to make melatonin, a compound very important for healthy sleep cycle and circadian rhythms.
Serotonin is not just found in humans; serotonin is found in other animals and even insects. Plants also have their own version of serotonin.
Most of us are familiar with serotonin being a neurotransmitter associated with elevated mood.
Did you know that serotonin mediates how you perceive resources — abundance or scarcity? In other words, do you perceive things as “the glass half full or the glass half empty?”
Even when the days are short and the temperature is cold, it’s important to get outside and get some sun. If your Vitamin D blood levels are low, you might consider taking a Vitamin D3 supplement.
Other nutrients like Omega-3-fatty acids are also important in serotonin synthesis.
Want more information? Read: “Vitamin D and omega-3 improve mental health by regulating the synthesis of serotonin”
