The Complex World of Food, Vitamin D3 and Psychosis- Dr. Kelly Brogan Discusses Vitamin D3

Cholesterol 

Several studies have indicated a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia, but a recent study is the first to identify deficiency at the first episode. How is this important for the gluten sensitive person: Gluten sensitive people struggle with getting enough vitamin D3 in their system. I like to see a blood level of 120 nmol/l (48 ng/ml) or a little above. To feel confident that you are getting enough sun and vitamin D3 supplements, you need a blood test.

And not enough vitamin D3 in your blood puts you at risk. Vitamin D deficiency is known to be a trigger of celiac disease and is linked to the onset of many diseases including schizophrenia. 

It is known that persons with celiac disease have a 17% increased risk of having schizophrenia. There are multiple mechanisms to the development and the whole subject is too large to talk about here, but just to emphasize Vitamin D3 is and important part of the picture.

From Dr. Kelly Brogan's newsletter: Holistic Women's Health Psychiatry, 

Several studies have indicated a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia, but a recent study is the first to identify deficiency at the onset (first episode), controlling for previous theories of days spent inpatient, away from the sun, resulting in long-term deficiency.
-69 adult inpatients and 69 healthy controls were assessed and those with psychosis were found to be 3x more likely to have vitamin D deficiency (below 25 nmol/L).
-No significant seasonal trends were observed.

Because vitamin D is an acute phase reactant, it plays a role in inflammatory response. Interference from infection, pesticides, and low cholesterol may lower vitamin D availability. Strategic supplementation is important, but resolution of underlying inflammation is the goal. I would love to see these patients treated, first, in a controlled environment devoid of pollutants, with clean air and water, and an anti-inflammatory diet.

Read the study yourself to learn more about the link between vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia.

See here for the other risks of having low cholesterol, besides poor Vitamin D production.

A good anti-inflammatory diet is a gluten free diet, with lots of healthy fats like omega 3's, and cholesterol. The best gluten free diet, in my opinion, is a GAPS diet with supplements like vitamin D3, B complex and zinc to neutralize methylation polymorphisms that affect homocysteine. And a good probiotic. See Dr. Campbell- McBride's book Gut and Psychology Syndrome to see how mental health issues can be ameliorated. 

To Your Health

Dr. Barbara