BALTIMORE—Older adults who have low levels of vitamin D have a greater risk of developing depression, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Researchers followed 531 women and 423 men aged 65 years and older who participated in the InCHIANTI Study in Tuscany, Italy. Serum 25(OH)D was measured at baseline. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 3- and 6-year follow-ups using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Depressed mood was defined as CES-D of 16 or higher. Analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for relevant biomarkers and variables related to sociodemographics, somatic health and functional status.
Women with 25(OH)D less than 50 nmol/liter compared with those with higher levels experienced increases in CES-D scores of 2.1 (P = 0.02) and 2.2 (P = 0.04) points higher at, respectively, 3- and 6-year follow-up. Women with low vitamin D also had significantly higher risk of developing depressive mood over the follow-up (hazard ratio = 2.0; 95% confidence interval = 1.2–3.2; P = 0.005). In parallel models, men with 25(OH)D less than 50 nmol/liter compared with those with higher levels experienced increases in CES-D scores of 1.9 (P = 0.01) and 1.1 (P = 0.20) points higher at 3- and 6-year follow-up. Men with low vitamin D also have higher risk of developing depressed mood (hazard ratio = 1.6; 95% confidence interval = 0.9–2.8; P = 0.1).
