16 January 2012
According to a new US study, higher vitamin D levels are linked with a significantly decreased risk of depression, especially among those with a history of depression.
In this observational study, serum vitamin D concentrations and depressive symptoms were assessed in 12,594 healthy adults (1). Study results showed that higher vitamin D levels were associated with a significantly decreased risk of depression. The findings were stronger in those participants with a history of depression.
The researchers concluded that low vitamin D levels may be associated with depressive symptoms, especially in persons with a history of depression. These findings would suggest that primary care patients with a history of depression may be an important target for vitamin D level assessments. The study did not address whether increasing vitamin D levels reduced depressive symptoms. Thus, it is neither clear whether low vitamin D levels contribute to symptoms of depression, nor whether depression itself contributes to lower vitamin D levels. However, vitamin D may affect neurotransmitters, inflammatory markers, and other factors, which could help explain the relationship with depression, the scientists commented.
31 March 2017
Advances in human genome sequencing has opened the door to personalized medicine and nutrigenetics, which use information about genetics to guide medical therapy or nutritional advice.
4 July 2012
New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has reported that the mandatory fortification of iodized salt in bread has significantly reduced the number of iodine deficient children.
19 September 2014
A new review confirms that adequate intakes of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy, lactation and infancy promote the health of mother and child.
