Low vitamin D levels linked to depression

Researchers from Vrije University in the Netherlands analyzed the relationship between blood levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone and the risk of depression among 1,282 older adults. Vitamin D levels were low in 14 percent of people with minor depression and 14 percent of people with major depression, compared with nondepressed subjects. In addition, levels of parathyroid hormone were 5 percent higher in people with minor depression and 33 percent higher in those with major depression. The researchers noted that vitamin D and calcium levels are inversely related to parathyroid hormone in healthy people. They added that elevated parathyroid hormone levels can be decreased with higher intake of vitamin D or calcium, as well as with greater exposure to sunlight.

Hoogendijk WJG. Archives of General Psychiatry, 2008; 65:508-512.