Linking vitamin D and depression
Researchers at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas, investigated the association between vitamin D blood levels and depression.
First, the details.
- 12,594 clinic patients were studied.
- Blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were analyzed.
- Depression was defined as a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score of 10 or more.
- Those with and without a history of depression represented 2 distinct populations with respect to CES-D scores and were analyzed separately.
And, the results.
- Higher vitamin D levels were associated with a significantly decreased risk of current depression based on CES-D scores.
- The finding was stronger in those with a prior history of depression and not significant in those without a history of depression.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Low vitamin D levels are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in persons with a history of depression.”
“These findings suggest that primary care patients with a history of depression may be an important target for assessment of vitamin D levels.”
2/14/12 22:02 JR