A large University of Texas study yields results.

As I had written in a previous article, low levels of vitamin D have been shown to be associated with a host of health problems – from osteoporosis to cardiovascular disease to neurological ailments. As a result, vitamin D levels are now routinely obtained in laboratory testing.

Vitamin D appears to be associated with depression as well.  The nature of that relationship, however,  has been a matter of ongoing debate. The reason? Conflicting study results. For example,  a study published in July 2010 reported that women and men with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop depression. In contrast, a second study published in May 2011 found that vitamin D deficiency was not correlated to the incidence of depression in an adult population.

A new study done at UT Southwestern Medical Center tried to  help clarify this issue. The findings were published in the journal,  Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

So Does It or Doesn’t It? 

“Our findings suggest that screening for vitamin D levels in depressed patients – and perhaps screening for depression in people with low vitamin D levels – might be useful,” said Dr. E. Sherwood Brown, professor of psychiatry and senior author of the study. “But we don’t have enough information yet to recommend going out and taking supplements.”

UT Southwestern researchers examined the results of almost over 12,000 individuals over a four year period (2006-2010). They found higher vitamin D levels were associated with a significantly decreased risk of current depression, particularly among people with a prior history of depression. They also found that low vitamin D levels were associated with depressive symptoms, especially in those with a history of depression.

An important note: this study did not address whether increasing vitamin D levels reduced depressive symptoms. 

Unfortunately, the scientists have not determined the exact relationship of vitamin D and depression.  It is still unclear as to whether low vitamin D directly contributes to symptoms of depression, or if depression itself contributes to lower vitamin D levels. Although the mechanism of action is unclear,  Dr. Brown feels vitamin D may affect neurotransmitters, inflammatory markers and other factors associated with depression.

One thing is becoming very clear,  vitamin D is certainly not just about bone health anymore.

For those individuals interested in obtaining additional information on Vitamin D, please take the time to visit the Vitamin D Council, by Dr. John Cannell. In my opinion, it is one of the most informative vitamin D websites out there.

 
January 6, 2012
The Healthy Mind Network

DISCLOSURE: I am not affiliated with the Vitamin D Council or Dr. John Cannell in any way. 

Story Source:
The above story contains original content and information that is editorially adapted by The Healthy Mind staff from materials provided by UT Southwestern Medical Center and EurekAlerts.

Image Credit: Alan Levine

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