Authors: Jorde, R.; Sneve, M.; Figenschau, Y.; Svartberg, J.; Waterloo, K.

Source: Journal of Internal Medicine, Volume 264, Number 6, December 2008 , pp. 599-609(11)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

.  Jorde R, Sneve M, Figenschau Y, Svartberg J, Waterloo K (University of Tromsø and University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway). Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight and obese subjects: randomized double blind trial. J Intern Med 2008; 264: 599-609. Objectives. 

The objective of the present study was to examine the cross-sectional relation between serum 25-hydoxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D] levels and depression in overweight and obese subjects and to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms. Design. 

Cross-sectional study and randomized double blind controlled trial of 20.000 or 40.000 IU vitamin D per week versus placebo for 1 year. Setting. 

A total of 441 subjects (body mass index 28-47 kg m⁻², 159 men and 282 women, aged 21-70 years) recruited by advertisements or from the out-patient clinic at the University Hospital of North Norway. Main outcome measures. 

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score with subscales 1-13 and 14-21. Results. 

Subjects with serum 25(OH)D levels <40 nmol L⁻¹ scored significantly higher (more depressive traits) than those with serum 25(OH)D levels ≥40 nmol L⁻¹ on the BDI total [6.0 (0-23) versus 4.5 (0-28) (median and range)] and the BDI subscale 1-13 [2.0 (0-15) versus 1.0 (0-29.5)] (P < 0.05). In the two groups given vitamin D, but not in the placebo group, there was a significant improvement in BDI scores after 1 year. There was a significant decrease in serum parathyroid hormone in the two vitamin D groups without a concomitant increase in serum calcium. Conclusions. 

It appears to be a relation between serum levels of 25(OH)D and symptoms of depression. Supplementation with high doses of vitamin D seems to ameliorate these symptoms indicating a possible causal relationship.

Keywords: depression; obesity; vitamins

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2008.02008.x

Affiliations: 1: Departments of Internal Medicine and

Publication date: 2008-12-01

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