Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

Abstract

Vitamin D is a nutrient potentially beneficial in the treatment of depression. The study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the studies assessing the influence of vitamin D supplementation on depression within Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The systematic review was prepared on the basis of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42020155779). The peer-reviewed studies available within PubMed or Web of Science databases until September 2021 were taken into account. The number of screened records was 8514, and 8 records were included. Two independent researchers conducted screening, including, reporting, and risk of bias assessment using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. The included studies presented a population of patients with major depressive disorders or general depression, as well as bipolar depression or postpartum depression. The majority of included studies were conducted for 8 weeks or 12 weeks, while one study was conducted for 6 months. Within the large number of included studies, a daily dose of 1500 IU, 1600 IU, or 2800 IU was applied, while within some studies, a vitamin D dose of 50,000 IU was applied weekly or biweekly. Among applied psychological measures of depression, there were various tools. In spite of the fact that the majority of included studies (five studies) supported the positive effect of vitamin D supplementation for the psychological measure of depression, for three studies the positive influence was not supported. A medium risk of bias was indicated for six studies, while a high risk of bias was defined for only two studies, due to deviations from the intended interventions and in measurement of the outcome, as well as for one study, also arising from the randomization process and due to missing outcome data. Based on conducted assessment, it should be emphasized that there are only four studies supporting the positive influence of vitamin D supplementation for the psychological measure of depression of the medium risk of bias, while two studies of a medium risk of bias did not support it. Taking this into account, the conducted systematic review is not a strong confirmation of the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of depression.

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

“…The results also showed that high dose VitD supplementation was associated with a reduction in the incidence of depression, while low dose VitD supplementation (below 2,800 IU/day) was futile [204]. This is also confirmed by a study with 1,600 IU/day over 6 months, which showed no effect on the symptoms of depression but did show an effect on the symptoms of anxiety [205].…”

The Effect of Vitamin D, B12, and Folic Acid Supplements in Relieving Major Depressive Symptoms, General Anxiety Disorder among Adults and Adolescents - A Systemic Article Review

“…Besides, we also used the following search terms: 'homocysteine and depressive disorder', 'methyl folate and depression', 'nutritional psychiatry and depressive disorder', 'B12 and depressive disorders', 'vitamin D and depressive disorders', and 'vitamin D and anxiety disorders', only in PubMed and Science Direct databases, screening RCTs on filters and advanced search. (3) The peer-reviewed studies presenting results of RCTs, available within PubMed or Web of Science databases until September 2021 and published in English, were intended to be included. Systematic literature searching was conducted within two stages for studies published until October 2019 (before COVID-19) and from October 2019 to October 2022 (after announcing the first COVID-19 case).…”

“…In addition, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) can be compromised by both mental disorders and reduced physical functions. (3) Depression and low HQROL increase the risk of institulization and mortality. Especially in elderly adults, management of depression is often suboptimal, for instance due to the side effects of antidepressant medications with other drugs.…”

“…Such complexities emphasize the need for simple and safe interventions for both prevention and treatment of Depression. (3) According to the Global Burden of disease (GBD-2019) results, around285, 642 million people were diagnosed with Depression Disorder and 301,390 million with anxiety disorder worldwide until 2019. (3) Vitamin D deficiency Incidence is increasing throughout the world because of diminished exposure to sunlight Caused by urbanization with the use of automobiles and public transportation, living at high latitudes, winter season, institutionalization, sunscreen use.…”

“…(3) According to the Global Burden of disease (GBD-2019) results, around285, 642 million people were diagnosed with Depression Disorder and 301,390 million with anxiety disorder worldwide until 2019. (3) Vitamin D deficiency Incidence is increasing throughout the world because of diminished exposure to sunlight Caused by urbanization with the use of automobiles and public transportation, living at high latitudes, winter season, institutionalization, sunscreen use. About 36% of adults in the United States are deficient in Vitamin D. Other risk factors include: the following: pregnant women, age over 65 years, obesity, dark colored skin persons, malnutrition,and intestine malabsorption.…”