Vitamin D for depression

A Black Dog Institute paper that looked at current research into vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency contributing to depression has recommended that Vitamin D levels should be checked in all depressed patients. The article has been published in the internationally renowned psychiatric journal, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica.

Professor Gordon Parker, the Executive Director of the Institute, and Dr Heather Brotchie, undertook the research which indicated there was currently insufficient evidence to argue strongly for Vitamin D as a general augmentation strategy for patients with depression.

However, they concluded that patients whose lifestyle and geographical residence were influenced by lack of sunshine may be at risk of having insufficient vitamin D. The research reveals that it is “surprisingly common” for people to have a lack of vitamin D.

“This is particularly so in the case of patients in certain groups such as the elderly, whose diet is poor, and people with limited sunlight exposure,” said Professor Parker.

“In these cases, Vitamin D it is worthy of consideration as a supplement in depressed patients.”

Professor Parker said that most articles overviewing vitamin D recommend that it can be used as a safe dietary supplement.

“Vitamin D has already has established clear benefits to bone health and is used as a supplement for those with osteopenia and osteoporosis causing osteomalacia as well as bone and muscle pain weakness.

“At this stage, there is a suggestion that Vitamin D supplementation may be of some benefit to depressed patients but, as few studies have been undertaken, no firmer recommendation can currently be advanced by the data base,” Professor Parker said.

HealthInsite has topic pages on Depression with links to information on treatments, and on Vitamin D.

Created 6 October 2011
This report was published at: http://www3.healthinsite.gov.au/news/Vitamin_D_for_Depression

For more information

• The subject is mentioned on The Black Dog Institute website.
• Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica has published a document on the topic.
• The Black Dog Institute has produced a news release on the topic.