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.
23 March 2018
Carotenoids can do more than brighten up your dishes. Different carotenoids have different health benefits. Learn how your body can benefit from a diet full of vivid color.
28 August 2013
A new study from Iran reports that patients with severe multiple sclerosis have lower blood vitamin D concentrations than patients with a milder form of the disease.
14 November 2011
Increased calcium consumption seems not to be associated with modifying body fat and body weight in children and adults, according to a new US study.
