Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight and obese subjects: randomized double blind trial.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present study was to examine the cross-sectional relation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D] levels and depression in overweight and obese subjects and to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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 > or = 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.
Jorde
R
R
Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway. rolf.jorde@unn.no
Sneve
M
M
Figenschau
Y
Y
Svartberg
J
J
Waterloo
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D