Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Onset of Psychosis
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Vitamin D deficiency is linked to first episodes of psychosis (FEP), new research suggests. A study of almost 140 participants in the United Kingdom showed that those who were presenting to a psychiatric in-patient facility with an FEP had significantly lower levels of vitamin D than did their age-matched, healthy peers. The investigators note that future studies are needed to examine these associations further.
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@parabat During the often long prodromal phase, many patients with schizophrenia withdraw from normal activities, and this might result in a reduction in sunlight exposure. Having low levels of vitamin D over a long period may be a risk factor for developing psychosis. Because vitamin D is a negative acute-phase reactant, levels can decrease during an inflammatory response.