From the Research
If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts after taking zinc or vitamin D supplements, stop taking them immediately and seek urgent medical help. While these supplements don't typically cause suicidal ideation, any new supplement that coincides with such serious symptoms should be discontinued. The most recent and highest quality study, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 1, found that low levels of vitamin D are related to increased probability for suicide behaviors, suggesting that insufficient levels of vitamin D play a role in suicidal behaviors. However, it's essential to note that the relationship between vitamin D and suicidal ideation is complex and may be influenced by various factors, including individual biochemistry and underlying mental health conditions. Contact your healthcare provider right away to discuss these symptoms, as this could indicate an unusual reaction, an interaction with other medications, or possibly that the supplements are unrelated but you're experiencing depression or another mental health condition requiring treatment. Neither zinc nor vitamin D supplementation is worth continuing if you're experiencing such severe side effects. Your doctor might recommend alternative approaches to address any deficiencies, possibly through dietary changes or different supplement formulations. Key points to consider include:
- The potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in reducing suicide risk, as suggested by a narrative review published in 2023 2
- The association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of suicidal behaviors, as found in a cross-sectional study of 157,211 healthy adults published in 2020 3
- The importance of seeking urgent medical help if you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, regardless of whether you're taking supplements or not. Your mental health and safety are the priority, so don't delay seeking professional medical attention.