title: Vitamin D and mood disorders among women: an integrative review.
abstract: This integrative review evaluates research studies that investigated the association between vitamin D and mood disorders affecting women to determine whether further research comparing these variables is warranted. A literature search using CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases was conducted to locate peer-reviewed mood disorder research studies that measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. Four of six studies reviewed imparted significant results, with all four showing an association between low 25(OH)D levels and higher incidences of four mood disorders: premenstrual syndrome, seasonal affective disorder, non-specified mood disorder, and major depressive disorder. This review indicates a possible biochemical mechanism occurring between vitamin D and mood disorders affecting women, warranting further studies of these variables using rigorous methodologies.
authors.affiliation: Medical University of South Carolina, 169 Ashley Ave., P.O. Box 250347, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. murphypa@musc.edu
authors.forename: Pamela K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Carol L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Wagner