Exploring the Association Between Vitamin D Levels and Mental Health, Focusing on Links to Depression and Anxiety

Abstract

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore the association between vitamin D levels and mental health, specifically depression and anxiety, among adults. It also evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on mental health outcomes in individuals with deficiency.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, including 200 participants aged 18-65 years, divided into two groups: 100 with normal vitamin D levels (≥30 ng/mL) and 100 with vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL). Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, respectively. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using HPLC or ELISA. In the deficiency group, participants received vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day) for 8 weeks, with mental health assessments before and after supplementation.

Results:

Participants with vitamin D deficiency had significantly higher rates of depression (62%) and anxiety (65%) compared to those with normal levels (30% and 35%, respectively). The mean depression (12.5 ± 4.2 vs. 8.2 ± 3.1) and anxiety (11.8 ± 3.8 vs. 7.6 ± 2.9) scores were also significantly higher in the deficiency group. Vitamin D supplementation resulted in significant reductions in both depression and anxiety scores (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a moderate negative relationship between vitamin D levels and mental health scores (r = -0.45 for depression, r = -0.42 for anxiety).

Conclusion:

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety. Supplementation significantly improved mental health outcomes in deficient individuals, suggesting a potential role for vitamin D in managing mood disorders.