Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Depression has a multifaceted nature that is influenced by genetics, molecular mechanisms, and environmental stress. Vitamin D is involved in the development of depression, impacting neurotransmitters and neurological function when deficient, therefore it can be seen as a part of the discourse around depression, as well as preventing, treating and managing the same.

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between low Vitamin D level and depressive symptoms in adult patients.

Methods: This prospective cohort study focuses on Vitamin D deficient adults. Family doctors conducted self-report surveys, covering demographics, medical history, Vitamin D levels, and the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Follow-up was done after one month using the same questionnaire. The study analyzed data using Prism, employing descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, Fisher’s exact test and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: The study involves 43 participants (4 excluded). Paired T-test revealed a significant decline (P=0.0018) in depression symptoms with vitamin D supplementation. By Subgroup analyses females (P=0.0093), age (18-25) (P=0.0317), unmarried (P=0.0216) and moderate workplace stress (P=0.0176) demonstrated significant decline in PHQ-9 scores with supplementation. Pearson correlation analysis between vitamin D levels and depression symptoms yielded to a nonsignificant result (P=0.5887). Fisher’s exact test found no significant link (P=0.4121) between severities of vitamin D deficiency and depression symptoms.

Conclusion: This study supports Vitamin D’s role in mitigating depressive symptoms. Significant declines were observed with supplementation, particularly among females, those aged 18-25, unmarried individuals, and those with moderate workplace stress. However, no link was found between severities of vitamin D deficiency and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that vitamin D is involved in pathogenesis of depression and even though there is no direct correlation its supplementation alleviates the depressive symptoms.