Effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression in older Australian adults

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate whether vitamin D supplementation reduces depressive symptoms and incidence of antidepressant use. Methods: We used data from the D-Health Trial (N = 21,315), a randomized doubleblind placebo-controlled trial of monthly vitamin D 3 for the prevention of all-cause mortality. Participants were Australians aged 60-84 years. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) at 1, 2 and 5 years after randomization to measure depressive symptoms; national prescribing records were used to capture antidepressant use. We used mixed models and survival models. Results: Analyses of PHQ-9 scores included 20,487 participants (mean age 69•3 years, 46% women); the mean difference (MD) in PHQ-9 score (vitamin D vs. placebo) was 0•02 (95% CI −0•06, 0•11). There was negligible difference in the prevalence of clinically relevant depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10) (odds ratio 0•99; 95% CI 0•90, 1•08). We included 16,670 participants in the analyses of incident antidepressant use (mean age 69•4 years, 43% women). Incidence of antidepressant use was similar between the groups (hazard ratio [HR] 1•04; 95% CI 0•96, 1•12). In subgroup analyses, vitamin D improved PHQ-9 scores in those taking antidepressants at baseline (MD −0•25; 95% CI −0•49, −0•01; p-interaction = 0•02). It decreased risk of antidepressant use in participants with predicted 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/ L (HR 0•88; 95% CI 0•75, 1•02; p-interaction = 0•01) and increased risk in those with predicted 25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/L (HR 1•10; 95% CI 1•01, 1•20). Conclusion:Monthly supplementation with high-dose vitamin D 3 was not of benefit for measures of depression overall, but there was some evidence of benefit in subgroup analyses.

Comprehensive sex-stratified genetic analysis of 28 blood biomarkers and depression reveals a significant association between depression and low levels of total protein in females

“…The association between vitamin D deficiency and depression, including PND has been well established [46,[65][66][67][72][73][74]. However, a causal association between vitamin D and depression has not been found, and evidence from recent studies do not support any causal influence of vitamin D on psychiatric disorders [65,75,76] but may reflect lifestyle choices (e.g., less time out of doors), or melanin-rich skin in a predominantly European population. A pleiotropic association [65,75] is implied through the nominally significant negative local genetic correlation with PND in the 3p12.1 genomic region, intronic to CADM2, which has been identified as highly pleiotropic, associated with both sunseeking behaviour [77] and numerous psychiatric disorders [78,79].…”

Efeitos Da Vitamina D Em Diferentes Aspectos Da Saúde Do Idoso: Uma Revisão Narrativa

“…Além disso, a manutenção dos níveis séricos de Vitamina D acima do normal atua como um fator de proteção contra a depressão, assim atuando como um meio eficaz de prevenção a depressão. Rahman et al (2023) afirma que os resultados de ensaios clínicos que buscaram avaliar o efeito da suplementação de Vitamina D a fim de promover a prevenção de depressão são inconsistentes. Uma meta-análise identificou um benefício geral da suplementação de Vitamina D sobre as emoções negativas.…”

Multiple sclerosis with comorbidity depression and its association with vitamin D deficiency in a narrative review of the current literature

“…An Australian study, however, cast doubt on the role of VitD in the pathophysiology, prevention, or treatment of depression in individuals without MS in the perinatal period [174].…”