Database Analysis of Depression and Anxiety in a Community Sample—Response to a Micronutrient Intervention

Abstract

Background: Depression and anxiety are common mental health concerns worldwide. Broad-spectrum multi-vitamin/mineral approaches have been found to alleviate a number of psychiatric symptoms. We investigated the effects of a nutrient intervention program, which includes optimizing vitamin D levels, on depression and anxiety outcomes from community-based program. Methods: We evaluated self-reported health measures of depression and anxiety collected as part of a community-based program focused on optimizing overall health through nutritional supplementation, education and lifestyle advice. Results: Data were collected from 16,020 participants, with measures including European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) and Targeted Symptoms List (TSL) providing self-reported depression and anxiety. More than 56% of participants were identified as having elevated levels of depression and anxiety at baseline as reported on the EQ-5D. After one year in the program, 49.2% (n = 7878) of participants who reported any level of depression or anxiety at baseline reported improvement at follow-up. Of those who reported severe/extreme depression at baseline (n = 829), 97.2% reported improvement after one year. Regression analyses revealed a significant association of improvement in depression and anxiety with higher vitamin D status (>100 nmol/L) and more strenuous physical activity. Conclusion: Overall, people from the general population who suffer from mood and anxiety problems may benefit from improved nutritional status achieved with nutritional supplements.

Bone Mineral Metabolism Status, Quality of Life, and Muscle Strength in Older People

“…Our study revealed significant associations of lower 25(OH) D3, Ca 2+ , phosphorus, and Alb levels and self-reported problems with depression or anxiety. Nutrition and dietary habits have been related to the occurrence of depression or anxiety [29,30,31]. Several authors have found that vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent among depressed or anxious patients, and supplementation had a significant influence on mental health improvements, particularly for depression [25,26].…”

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