The influence of vitamin D3 level and supplementation on the severity of symptoms and quality of life of female patients with depression

Abstract

Introduction. Vitamin D3 has many functions in the human body. The impact of vitamin D3 on mental health is seen in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. In this study, we are assessing its impact on the symptoms and the quality of life of female patients with depressive episodes. Aim. The study aimed to determine whether higher levels of serum 25(OH)D correlate with milder symptoms of depression and better quality of life among female patients with depressive episodes as well as to establish whether vitamin D3 supplementation reduces the symptoms of depression and increases the quality of life in the population above. Material and methods. Patients (n=33) were divided into a study group (supplementing 2000 IU vitamin D3 daily for 2 months) and a control group. In both groups, the serum 25(OH)D was measured at the study’s beginning and end. The symptoms of depression and the quality of life were assessed using BDI-II, HDRS, and SF-36 questionnaires, which the patients answered at baseline and after two months. The trial was completed by 12 patients in the study group and 10 in the control group. Results and conclusion. No association between the serum 25(OH)D level, symptoms of depression severity, and life quality was shown in patients (n=33) who completed the initial bloodwork. No statistically significant difference was found in changes in depression scores and life quality between the study and control group. No correlation was found between the changes in the scores of depression and life quality and the changes in serum 25(OH)D levels. A statistically significant difference was found in the serum 25(OH)D levels (p=0.0004), with no such difference in the control group (p=0.06). A statistically significant difference was also found in the BDI-II depression scores both in the study and in the control group (p=0.02 and p=0.04). No such difference was found in the study or control in the HDRS depression score or SF-36 life quality score. Therefore, the study does not show the benefit of vitamin D3 supplementation in the reduction of depression symptoms or life quality in female patients with depressive episodes. Keywords: vitamin D3, depressive disorders, mood disorders, life quality.