Study: vitamin D and depression

reference

ganji v, Milone C, Cody MM, McCarty F, Wang Yt. Serum vitamin D concentrations are related to depression in young adults in the United States: the third national health and nutritional examination survey. int Arch me d. 2010; 3: 29.

design

This is a large population cross -section study. The study sample initially included 18,875 participants. The final sample size comprised 7,970 US, non-institutionalized civilian participants between the ages of 15 and 39 after the exclusion of pregnancy and breastfeeding. The vitamin D concentrations in the serum were measured and a diagnostic assessment of depression based on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS).

most important findings

The authors found a direct connection between vitamin D deficiency and the depression variable. The prevalence of suboptimal vitamin D serum concentrations (<75 NMOL/L) was about 50 %, and 20 % were below 50 Nmol/l.

A higher prevalence was found in women, non-Hispanic blacks, people with a higher body mass index, people with less income, city residents and people living in the south.

restrictions

The data acquisition took place in different months - summer in the northeast and middle west and winter in the south. This could significantly change the prevalence of the determined vitamin D deficiency.

Effects on the practice

The role of vitamin D in depression is not fully clarified. It could play a role in regulating neurotransmitters and oxidative activity in connection with the glutathione metabolism. ^{1 This large population study observed a significantly greater probability of depression in people with vitamin D deficiency. Even if future research work has to be carried out to assess the causality, doctors can still assess the individual vitamin D level in patients with depression and treat them accordingly.}