Highlights:
- Higher vitamin D levels have been linked to improved physical function and depression symptoms.
- One researcher said PCPs should encourage consumption of foods containing vitamin D when indicated.
CHICAGO — Vitamin D levels may be linked to mental health, specifically depression, according to a study presented at an annual nutrition conference.
“We know that vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body.” Jacqueline A. Vernarelli, Ph.D. “Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to heart disease, poor bone health, and certain types of cancer. Some studies have looked at the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and mental health, but none have used large population samples,” she, an associate professor and director of research and education at Sacred Heart University, told Healio.
Vernarelli and his research partners Kayla D. Champagne, MPH, Data from 4641 adults who participated in the 2017-2018 NHANES survey were analyzed to assess possible associations. Depression was assessed with the PHQ-9 questionnaire, and serum vitamin D concentrations were expressed as 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 + D3 (nmol/L).
“We found that the amount of vitamin D in the blood is associated with mental health and physical functioning,” Vernarelli said. “Adults with lower vitamin D levels had more depressive symptoms. Furthermore, depressed adults had significantly lower vitamin D intakes than non-depressed adults.”
Additionally, higher serum vitamin D levels were associated with improved physical function. The researchers also noted that patients with clinical depression also had significantly lower vitamin D intake from food sources (4.3 g vs. 3.3 g). P = Public health messaging encouraging consumption of vitamin D-rich foods may therefore be an important dietary strategy to support mental health, the researchers write.
Because “vitamin D is related to mental health,” primary care providers “should consider testing vitamin D status as an important part of their patients’ overall health evaluation,” Vernarelli said.
“Your doctor should recommend taking vitamin D fortified foods or supplements if needed,” she says. “Having enough vitamin D in your bloodstream is important to help the body function properly, and this includes both physical and mental health.”
