Vitamin D Linked to Depression

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands—Researchers found an association of depression status and severity with decreased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) levels and increased serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in older individuals (Archi Gen Psychi. 2008;65(5):508-12). Depression was measured using self-reports and diagnostic interviews. Levels of 25(OH) D and PTH were assessed. Potentially confounding and explanatory factors were also measured. The population-based cohort study assessed 1,282 community residents aged 65 to 95 years. Levels of 25(OH)D were 14 percent lower in 169 participants with minor depression and 14 percent lower in 26 persons with major depressive disorder compared with levels in 1,087 control individuals (P<0.001). Levels of PTH were 5 percent and 33 percent higher, respectively (P=0.003). Depression severity was significantly associated with decreased serum 25(OH) D levels (P=0.03) and increased serum PTH levels (P=0.008).