Vitamin D and Depression

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency likely has some relationship with mood disorders. However, the little data we have at this time is mostly from conflicting, poor quality randomized controlled trials or small case studies. At this time we cannot recommend screening for vitamin D deficiency in women with mood disorders. Still, because of the other health benefits of adequate vitamin D levels, including improving bone health and cognitive function as well as decreasing the risks of pain, autoimmune disease, colon cancer, breast cancer, and heart disease, it is appropriate to screen patients at risk for vitamin D deficiency and treat appropriately as well as recommend that all patients receive an adequate dose of vitamin D (800-1000 IU daily for all adults), whether through food, sunlight, or supplementation.