What Are the Causes of Serotonin Deficiency?
Scientists do not know exactly what causes serotonin deficiency. Various studies show early life stressors might negatively affect the transport of serotonin in the body. Other studies show that microbes in the gut help with the production of serotonin. Synthesis of this hormone is disrupted when the microbiome, or gut bacteria is disturbed due to disease, diet, stress, or other causes.
Studies show that serotonin deficiency can also be caused by the following factors:
- Chronic stress
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Digestion issues
- Certain drugs
- Hormone changes
- Lack of sunlight
Studies also show that inadequate levels of serotonin are also related to a person’s biology, which may include:
- Fewer or less effective serotonin receptors
- A body that degrades serotonin or absorbs it too soon
- Inadequate levels of substances used to synthesize serotonin, such as L-tryptophan, vitamin D, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids