Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 30 Researches
7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 9 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D3
25 mcg (1,000 IU)
125%
Top Medical Research Studies
9
Vitamin D3 improves depressive symptoms
We conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial to explore the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on depression. Our study involved 56 adults with mild to moderate depression, who were assigned to either a vitamin D group or a placebo group. Over the course of eight weeks, the vitamin D group received a high dose of 50,000 IU cholecalciferol every two weeks, while the control group received a placebo.
After the treatment period, we observed that the participants who received the vitamin D3 experienced a significant reduction in depression severity, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Interestingly, this improvement in mood occurred independently of any changes in inflammatory biomarkers like IL-1β, IL-6, and hs-CRP, which we also assessed during the study.
This indicates that while vitamin D supplementation may positively impact depressive symptoms, its effects are not directly linked to the inflammatory markers we evaluated. Our findings suggest that vitamin D3 could be a helpful addition to depression treatment strategies, particularly in individuals with low vitamin D levels.
After the treatment period, we observed that the participants who received the vitamin D3 experienced a significant reduction in depression severity, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Interestingly, this improvement in mood occurred independently of any changes in inflammatory biomarkers like IL-1β, IL-6, and hs-CRP, which we also assessed during the study.
This indicates that while vitamin D supplementation may positively impact depressive symptoms, its effects are not directly linked to the inflammatory markers we evaluated. Our findings suggest that vitamin D3 could be a helpful addition to depression treatment strategies, particularly in individuals with low vitamin D levels.
Read More
9
Vitamin D supports depression management
We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to explore how cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D, influences depressive symptoms in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This clinical study lasted for 12 weeks and involved participants who were either given a daily dose of 4000 IU of cholecalciferol or a placebo.
Throughout the study, we measured various factors, including the participants’ depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as important biological markers like C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3.
Our findings showed a significant reduction in depression scores among those taking cholecalciferol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, we observed a notable increase in C-peptide levels, which may indicate some metabolic benefits, although no significant changes were found in serotonin and neurotrophin-3 levels.
Ultimately, while cholecalciferol appears to alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms in T2DM patients through improved C-peptide levels, its impact on serotonin and neurotrophin-3 remains unclear. This highlights vitamin D as a potentially helpful option for managing depression alongside diabetes.
Throughout the study, we measured various factors, including the participants’ depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as important biological markers like C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3.
Our findings showed a significant reduction in depression scores among those taking cholecalciferol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, we observed a notable increase in C-peptide levels, which may indicate some metabolic benefits, although no significant changes were found in serotonin and neurotrophin-3 levels.
Ultimately, while cholecalciferol appears to alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms in T2DM patients through improved C-peptide levels, its impact on serotonin and neurotrophin-3 remains unclear. This highlights vitamin D as a potentially helpful option for managing depression alongside diabetes.
Read More
8
We examined the connection between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and depression in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our research, which utilized a large database from the TriNetX network, involved over 17,900 matched CKD patients aged 50 and older. They were divided into two groups based on their vitamin D levels: those with deficiency (20 ng/mL or lower) and those with adequate levels (30 ng/mL or higher).
The findings were striking. We discovered that those with VDD had nearly double the risk of developing depression within a year compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. This risk was especially pronounced in men and remained consistent across different stages of CKD. Even patients who had borderline low vitamin D levels faced an increased chance of depression.
Our study suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels might be crucial for mental health in CKD patients. However, we also recognize the need for further randomized trials to definitively establish whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent depression in these individuals. The implications of our findings could pave the way for new approaches to managing mental health in patients dealing with CKD.
The findings were striking. We discovered that those with VDD had nearly double the risk of developing depression within a year compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. This risk was especially pronounced in men and remained consistent across different stages of CKD. Even patients who had borderline low vitamin D levels faced an increased chance of depression.
Our study suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels might be crucial for mental health in CKD patients. However, we also recognize the need for further randomized trials to definitively establish whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent depression in these individuals. The implications of our findings could pave the way for new approaches to managing mental health in patients dealing with CKD.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
7.5
Emotional support
4 people found this helpful
I believe it assisted our family during a challenging period. We took one capsule twice daily from December to mid-March. We initially felt drained and emotionally exhausted due to a significant family crisis. After starting the Solgar D3 and Omega California, I was surprised by the boost in my energy and mood by February, allowing me to return to work.
Read More
9
Anxiety relief
3 people found this helpful
I've been using these vitamins for about six years and highly recommend them for those with anxiety and depression. My deficiency in vitamins D3 and B12 caused much of my anxiety and depression. After taking these vitamins along with B-complex and B12, my life improved significantly within a few months. I could finally rejoin society.
Read More
9
Depression symptoms
Solgar is my preferred supplement brand, known for its quality. A lack of D3 can lead to various symptoms, including depression. After taking the right supplements, my fatigue and hair loss issues lessened, and my overall mood improved substantially.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 30 Researches
7
- All Researches
9
Vitamin D and Magnesium Aid Depression
We conducted a study to evaluate whether supplementing with magnesium and vitamin D could help alleviate mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms in individuals suffering from long-COVID. The clinical trial included 60 participants, aged 52.8 years on average, who had been diagnosed with hypomagnesemia, vitamin D deficiency, and mild-to-moderate depression.
Participants were divided into two groups: one received magnesium chloride along with vitamin D, while the other group only received vitamin D. Over four months, we monitored the effectiveness of these supplements in reducing depressive symptoms, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale to measure changes.
Our results revealed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms for those taking both magnesium and vitamin D, with 73.2% of them reaching a positive outcome score on the BDI. In contrast, the control group, which received only vitamin D, showed a less dramatic improvement, suggesting that the combined treatment may offer more benefits for those struggling with depression related to long-COVID.
While both groups experienced some improvement, our findings indicate that magnesium plus vitamin D supplementation presents a promising option for individuals coping with depression in the wake of COVID-19.
Participants were divided into two groups: one received magnesium chloride along with vitamin D, while the other group only received vitamin D. Over four months, we monitored the effectiveness of these supplements in reducing depressive symptoms, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale to measure changes.
Our results revealed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms for those taking both magnesium and vitamin D, with 73.2% of them reaching a positive outcome score on the BDI. In contrast, the control group, which received only vitamin D, showed a less dramatic improvement, suggesting that the combined treatment may offer more benefits for those struggling with depression related to long-COVID.
While both groups experienced some improvement, our findings indicate that magnesium plus vitamin D supplementation presents a promising option for individuals coping with depression in the wake of COVID-19.
Read More
9
Vitamin D supports depression management
We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to explore how cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D, influences depressive symptoms in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This clinical study lasted for 12 weeks and involved participants who were either given a daily dose of 4000 IU of cholecalciferol or a placebo.
Throughout the study, we measured various factors, including the participants’ depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as important biological markers like C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3.
Our findings showed a significant reduction in depression scores among those taking cholecalciferol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, we observed a notable increase in C-peptide levels, which may indicate some metabolic benefits, although no significant changes were found in serotonin and neurotrophin-3 levels.
Ultimately, while cholecalciferol appears to alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms in T2DM patients through improved C-peptide levels, its impact on serotonin and neurotrophin-3 remains unclear. This highlights vitamin D as a potentially helpful option for managing depression alongside diabetes.
Throughout the study, we measured various factors, including the participants’ depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as important biological markers like C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3.
Our findings showed a significant reduction in depression scores among those taking cholecalciferol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, we observed a notable increase in C-peptide levels, which may indicate some metabolic benefits, although no significant changes were found in serotonin and neurotrophin-3 levels.
Ultimately, while cholecalciferol appears to alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms in T2DM patients through improved C-peptide levels, its impact on serotonin and neurotrophin-3 remains unclear. This highlights vitamin D as a potentially helpful option for managing depression alongside diabetes.
Read More
9
Calcitriol impacts depression positively
We explored how calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3, impacts depression linked to neuroinflammation. Using a well-structured study with control and experimental groups, we examined the effects of calcitriol on mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a substance that induces depressive-like behavior and neuroinflammation.
During our experiments, we found that calcitriol not only reduced the inflammatory response in brain cells but also improved behavioral symptoms associated with depression. In particular, it lowered the levels of inflammation-related molecules while promoting anti-inflammatory ones in the brain's hippocampus, an area important for mood and memory.
We observed that calcitriol helped alleviate some of the negative behavioral effects triggered by LPS. The treatment also appeared to prevent the activation of microglia, the brain's immune cells, by interfering with a specific signaling pathway involved in inflammation.
Overall, our findings suggest that vitamin D3 could offer promising benefits as a treatment for depression by tackling neuroinflammation and protecting neuronal health.
During our experiments, we found that calcitriol not only reduced the inflammatory response in brain cells but also improved behavioral symptoms associated with depression. In particular, it lowered the levels of inflammation-related molecules while promoting anti-inflammatory ones in the brain's hippocampus, an area important for mood and memory.
We observed that calcitriol helped alleviate some of the negative behavioral effects triggered by LPS. The treatment also appeared to prevent the activation of microglia, the brain's immune cells, by interfering with a specific signaling pathway involved in inflammation.
Overall, our findings suggest that vitamin D3 could offer promising benefits as a treatment for depression by tackling neuroinflammation and protecting neuronal health.
Read More
9
We looked at how vitamin D3 could help combat depression, especially in the context of chronic stress. The study involved 40 male Wistar rats, divided into different groups to compare the effects of vitamin D3, the antidepressant fluoxetine, and a combination of both.
The rats underwent 21 days of mild but unpredictable stress, simulating conditions often linked to depression. To measure the effects, we conducted several behavioral tests and collected blood samples to assess hormonal changes.
Results showed that vitamin D3 had a positive impact similar to fluoxetine on the rats' depressive behaviors. Specifically, we found that vitamin D3 improved results in key behavioral tests, suggesting it can help protect against stress-induced anxiety and depression.
Notably, the levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone, were lower in rats that received vitamin D3, indicating a protective effect. Overall, this study emphasizes the potential of vitamin D3 in alleviating depressive symptoms resulting from chronic stress.
The rats underwent 21 days of mild but unpredictable stress, simulating conditions often linked to depression. To measure the effects, we conducted several behavioral tests and collected blood samples to assess hormonal changes.
Results showed that vitamin D3 had a positive impact similar to fluoxetine on the rats' depressive behaviors. Specifically, we found that vitamin D3 improved results in key behavioral tests, suggesting it can help protect against stress-induced anxiety and depression.
Notably, the levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone, were lower in rats that received vitamin D3, indicating a protective effect. Overall, this study emphasizes the potential of vitamin D3 in alleviating depressive symptoms resulting from chronic stress.
Read More
9
Vitamin D3 improves depressive symptoms
We conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial to explore the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on depression. Our study involved 56 adults with mild to moderate depression, who were assigned to either a vitamin D group or a placebo group. Over the course of eight weeks, the vitamin D group received a high dose of 50,000 IU cholecalciferol every two weeks, while the control group received a placebo.
After the treatment period, we observed that the participants who received the vitamin D3 experienced a significant reduction in depression severity, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Interestingly, this improvement in mood occurred independently of any changes in inflammatory biomarkers like IL-1β, IL-6, and hs-CRP, which we also assessed during the study.
This indicates that while vitamin D supplementation may positively impact depressive symptoms, its effects are not directly linked to the inflammatory markers we evaluated. Our findings suggest that vitamin D3 could be a helpful addition to depression treatment strategies, particularly in individuals with low vitamin D levels.
After the treatment period, we observed that the participants who received the vitamin D3 experienced a significant reduction in depression severity, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Interestingly, this improvement in mood occurred independently of any changes in inflammatory biomarkers like IL-1β, IL-6, and hs-CRP, which we also assessed during the study.
This indicates that while vitamin D supplementation may positively impact depressive symptoms, its effects are not directly linked to the inflammatory markers we evaluated. Our findings suggest that vitamin D3 could be a helpful addition to depression treatment strategies, particularly in individuals with low vitamin D levels.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 9 Reviews
8.1
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
7.5
Emotional support
4 people found this helpful
I believe it assisted our family during a challenging period. We took one capsule twice daily from December to mid-March. We initially felt drained and emotionally exhausted due to a significant family crisis. After starting the Solgar D3 and Omega California, I was surprised by the boost in my energy and mood by February, allowing me to return to work.
Read More
9
Anxiety relief
3 people found this helpful
I've been using these vitamins for about six years and highly recommend them for those with anxiety and depression. My deficiency in vitamins D3 and B12 caused much of my anxiety and depression. After taking these vitamins along with B-complex and B12, my life improved significantly within a few months. I could finally rejoin society.
Read More
9
Depression symptoms
Solgar is my preferred supplement brand, known for its quality. A lack of D3 can lead to various symptoms, including depression. After taking the right supplements, my fatigue and hair loss issues lessened, and my overall mood improved substantially.
Read More
7.5
Winter relief
Solgar consistently delivers quality. I used it to combat winter depression during the dark months when sunlight is scarce.
Read More
7.5
Mood improvement
2 people found this helpful
A doctor advised me to try vitamin D for fatigue and depression. Initially, I felt lost, but after taking two capsules daily, along with other vitamins, my health improved. I'm back to normal and my mood has brightened.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Emotional support
4 people found this helpful
I believe it assisted our family during a challenging period. We took one capsule twice daily from December to mid-March. We initially felt drained and emotionally exhausted due to a significant family crisis. After starting the Solgar D3 and Omega California, I was surprised by the boost in my energy and mood by February, allowing me to return to work.
9
Anxiety relief
3 people found this helpful
I've been using these vitamins for about six years and highly recommend them for those with anxiety and depression. My deficiency in vitamins D3 and B12 caused much of my anxiety and depression. After taking these vitamins along with B-complex and B12, my life improved significantly within a few months. I could finally rejoin society.
7.5
Happiness boost
1 people found this helpful
I ordered this on my doctor's advice due to a detected deficiency. After a month on it, my mood visibly improved, and I felt a sense of happiness I don't usually experience during winter.
7.5
Mood improvement
2 people found this helpful
A doctor advised me to try vitamin D for fatigue and depression. Initially, I felt lost, but after taking two capsules daily, along with other vitamins, my health improved. I'm back to normal and my mood has brightened.
7.5
Energy increase
My doctor recommended these due to a serious deficiency. Living in St. Petersburg, where sunlight is scarce, I found the capsules easy to take and had no gastrointestinal issues. They significantly improved my mood and energy, alleviating my depression.
8
We examined the connection between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and depression in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our research, which utilized a large database from the TriNetX network, involved over 17,900 matched CKD patients aged 50 and older. They were divided into two groups based on their vitamin D levels: those with deficiency (20 ng/mL or lower) and those with adequate levels (30 ng/mL or higher).
The findings were striking. We discovered that those with VDD had nearly double the risk of developing depression within a year compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. This risk was especially pronounced in men and remained consistent across different stages of CKD. Even patients who had borderline low vitamin D levels faced an increased chance of depression.
Our study suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels might be crucial for mental health in CKD patients. However, we also recognize the need for further randomized trials to definitively establish whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent depression in these individuals. The implications of our findings could pave the way for new approaches to managing mental health in patients dealing with CKD.
The findings were striking. We discovered that those with VDD had nearly double the risk of developing depression within a year compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. This risk was especially pronounced in men and remained consistent across different stages of CKD. Even patients who had borderline low vitamin D levels faced an increased chance of depression.
Our study suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels might be crucial for mental health in CKD patients. However, we also recognize the need for further randomized trials to definitively establish whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent depression in these individuals. The implications of our findings could pave the way for new approaches to managing mental health in patients dealing with CKD.
9
Vitamin D supports depression management
We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to explore how cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D, influences depressive symptoms in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This clinical study lasted for 12 weeks and involved participants who were either given a daily dose of 4000 IU of cholecalciferol or a placebo.
Throughout the study, we measured various factors, including the participants’ depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as important biological markers like C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3.
Our findings showed a significant reduction in depression scores among those taking cholecalciferol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, we observed a notable increase in C-peptide levels, which may indicate some metabolic benefits, although no significant changes were found in serotonin and neurotrophin-3 levels.
Ultimately, while cholecalciferol appears to alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms in T2DM patients through improved C-peptide levels, its impact on serotonin and neurotrophin-3 remains unclear. This highlights vitamin D as a potentially helpful option for managing depression alongside diabetes.
Throughout the study, we measured various factors, including the participants’ depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as important biological markers like C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3.
Our findings showed a significant reduction in depression scores among those taking cholecalciferol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, we observed a notable increase in C-peptide levels, which may indicate some metabolic benefits, although no significant changes were found in serotonin and neurotrophin-3 levels.
Ultimately, while cholecalciferol appears to alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms in T2DM patients through improved C-peptide levels, its impact on serotonin and neurotrophin-3 remains unclear. This highlights vitamin D as a potentially helpful option for managing depression alongside diabetes.
8
We explored how vitamin D supplementation might affect depressive symptoms and whether it has a dose-dependent relationship with these symptoms. By analyzing data from 31 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 24,200 participants, we aimed to clarify the potential benefits of vitamin D on depression. Our research revealed that, generally, increasing vitamin D intake appeared to lead to a slight reduction in depressive symptoms across different groups of individuals, whether they had a prior diagnosis of depression or not.
The effect was particularly significant for those already experiencing depressive symptoms, showing a marked improvement with higher dosages. Interestingly, we noted that the most substantial improvements occurred at a dosage of 8000 IU/day. Moreover, we found that shorter intervention periods of eight weeks or less, or those lasting between eight to 24 weeks, were associated with stronger positive effects than longer trials.
On the other hand, when it came to anxiety symptoms, vitamin D supplementation did not show a significant benefit. This suggests that while vitamin D might be a helpful tool for managing depression in the short term, we still need more high-quality trials to fully understand its impact on anxiety and to make a stronger case for its use in treating these symptoms.
The effect was particularly significant for those already experiencing depressive symptoms, showing a marked improvement with higher dosages. Interestingly, we noted that the most substantial improvements occurred at a dosage of 8000 IU/day. Moreover, we found that shorter intervention periods of eight weeks or less, or those lasting between eight to 24 weeks, were associated with stronger positive effects than longer trials.
On the other hand, when it came to anxiety symptoms, vitamin D supplementation did not show a significant benefit. This suggests that while vitamin D might be a helpful tool for managing depression in the short term, we still need more high-quality trials to fully understand its impact on anxiety and to make a stronger case for its use in treating these symptoms.
8
Vitamin D3 affects adolescent depression
We conducted a cross-sectional study aimed at exploring the connection between Vitamin D3 levels and depression in rural adolescents. The study involved adolescents aged 11 to 18 years from high schools in Kolar, Karnataka, India, and aimed to assess their Vitamin D3 levels alongside their mental health.
To assess depression, we utilized Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II) while measuring Vitamin D3 levels using specialized immunodiagnostic products. Our findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between Vitamin D levels and depression among this demographic. Specifically, we noted that adolescents with lower levels of Vitamin D3 were more likely to report symptoms of depression.
Based on these results, we suggest that maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels, ideally with supplementation of at least 600 international units, might not only improve Vitamin D status but could also play a role in alleviating depressive symptoms in adolescents. However, to firmly establish cause and effect, further studies, especially randomized control trials, are necessary to explore how Vitamin D interventions might specifically influence adolescent depression.
To assess depression, we utilized Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II) while measuring Vitamin D3 levels using specialized immunodiagnostic products. Our findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between Vitamin D levels and depression among this demographic. Specifically, we noted that adolescents with lower levels of Vitamin D3 were more likely to report symptoms of depression.
Based on these results, we suggest that maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels, ideally with supplementation of at least 600 international units, might not only improve Vitamin D status but could also play a role in alleviating depressive symptoms in adolescents. However, to firmly establish cause and effect, further studies, especially randomized control trials, are necessary to explore how Vitamin D interventions might specifically influence adolescent depression.
8
We conducted a thorough search of existing studies to understand how vitamin D levels might influence depression during pregnancy and after childbirth. Our findings suggest a notable connection: women with lower vitamin D levels were found to be at a higher risk of experiencing depression.
In our analysis of 13 studies, we observed that pregnant women facing prenatal depression had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to those without depression. The statistics showed a clear difference, with a standardized mean difference of -0.41, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency could be an important factor in maternal mental health.
When we examined postpartum depression, the results were striking. Our analysis revealed a substantial association, with depressed women exhibiting much lower vitamin D levels—showing a standardized mean difference of -1.62. This points to the importance of monitoring and addressing vitamin D levels not just during pregnancy, but also after childbirth.
Ultimately, our review highlights the potential role of vitamin D in supporting mental health for mothers. Ensuring adequate levels of this vitamin could be a key element in promoting emotional well-being during such crucial periods of life.
In our analysis of 13 studies, we observed that pregnant women facing prenatal depression had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to those without depression. The statistics showed a clear difference, with a standardized mean difference of -0.41, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency could be an important factor in maternal mental health.
When we examined postpartum depression, the results were striking. Our analysis revealed a substantial association, with depressed women exhibiting much lower vitamin D levels—showing a standardized mean difference of -1.62. This points to the importance of monitoring and addressing vitamin D levels not just during pregnancy, but also after childbirth.
Ultimately, our review highlights the potential role of vitamin D in supporting mental health for mothers. Ensuring adequate levels of this vitamin could be a key element in promoting emotional well-being during such crucial periods of life.
4
We investigated whether vitamin D supplementation could help reduce depressive symptoms and lower the likelihood of needing antidepressants in older Australian adults. The D-Health Trial, which involved over 21,000 participants aged between 60 and 84, provided a solid platform for our research. This trial was carefully designed, using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled approach, which is the gold standard in clinical research.
Participants answered the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure their depressive symptoms multiple times over five years, while national prescribing records allowed us to track the use of antidepressants.
Our findings revealed that monthly vitamin D supplementation did not show any significant benefits for alleviating depression overall. The average difference in PHQ-9 scores between the vitamin D and placebo groups was negligible. Moreover, the incidence of antidepressant use in both groups remained quite similar.
However, when we looked closer, some interesting trends emerged. For individuals already on antidepressants at the start of the study, vitamin D did seem to improve their depression scores slightly. Additionally, participants with low vitamin D levels at the outset showed a decrease in the risk of starting antidepressants after supplementation. Unfortunately, those with sufficient vitamin D levels saw an increased risk of antidepressant use.
Thus, while we didn’t find strong support for vitamin D's effectiveness against depression in general, our subgroup analyses suggest there might be some nuances worth exploring further.
Participants answered the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure their depressive symptoms multiple times over five years, while national prescribing records allowed us to track the use of antidepressants.
Our findings revealed that monthly vitamin D supplementation did not show any significant benefits for alleviating depression overall. The average difference in PHQ-9 scores between the vitamin D and placebo groups was negligible. Moreover, the incidence of antidepressant use in both groups remained quite similar.
However, when we looked closer, some interesting trends emerged. For individuals already on antidepressants at the start of the study, vitamin D did seem to improve their depression scores slightly. Additionally, participants with low vitamin D levels at the outset showed a decrease in the risk of starting antidepressants after supplementation. Unfortunately, those with sufficient vitamin D levels saw an increased risk of antidepressant use.
Thus, while we didn’t find strong support for vitamin D's effectiveness against depression in general, our subgroup analyses suggest there might be some nuances worth exploring further.
4
We investigated how micronutrients, particularly vitamin D, impact major depressive disorder (MDD) and recurrent depression (rMDD). Through a robust study utilizing genetic data from large-scale genome-wide association studies, we aimed to understand potential causal relationships between these nutrients and depression.
Our findings suggested a weak protective effect of vitamin D against depressive outcomes, alongside iron and copper. However, we observed that these associations aren’t very strong. For instance, when we evaluated the data closely, 25(OH) vitamin D showed a notable indication of reducing the risk of rMDD. Yet, it’s important to note that our results did not show any significant benefits for most other micronutrients on depression.
While the evidence for a protective role of these nutrients exists, it is quite modest. Moreover, some nutrients, like selenium, appeared to be associated with a higher risk of MDD and rMDD. Given these mixed findings, it’s essential to approach supplementation with caution, as some nutrients may have adverse effects in excess.
Our findings suggested a weak protective effect of vitamin D against depressive outcomes, alongside iron and copper. However, we observed that these associations aren’t very strong. For instance, when we evaluated the data closely, 25(OH) vitamin D showed a notable indication of reducing the risk of rMDD. Yet, it’s important to note that our results did not show any significant benefits for most other micronutrients on depression.
While the evidence for a protective role of these nutrients exists, it is quite modest. Moreover, some nutrients, like selenium, appeared to be associated with a higher risk of MDD and rMDD. Given these mixed findings, it’s essential to approach supplementation with caution, as some nutrients may have adverse effects in excess.
References
- Askarpour M, Hejazi N, Jahromi BN, Eskandari MH, Famouri M, et al. Effects of a Novel Fortified Dairy Product on the Psychological Status and Sleep Quality of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2025;30:37. 10.3746/pnf.2025.30.1.37
- Xu X, Jing F, Zhong H, Lin L, Gao T, et al. Synergistic impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and physical activity on incident depression: Evidence from prospective cohorts and genome-wide data. J Affect Disord. 2025. 10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.004
- Bostan ZZ, Şare Bulut M, Gezmen Karadağ M. Can Vıtamın D Reduce the Need for SSRI by Modulatıng Serotonın Synthesıs?: A Revıew of Recent Lıterature. Curr Nutr Rep. 2025;14:39. 10.1007/s13668-025-00630-7
- Yu C, Liu K, Yao W, Tang D. Associations between the intake of single and multiple dietary vitamins and depression risk among populations with chronic kidney disease. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1492829. 10.3389/fnut.2025.1492829
- Chen IW, Wang WT, Lai YC, Chang YJ, Lin YT, et al. Association between vitamin D deficiency and major depression in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cohort study. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1540633. 10.3389/fnut.2025.1540633
- Raza ML, Hassan ST, Jamil S, Fatima W, Fatima M. Nutritional interventions in depression: The role of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids in neuropsychiatric health. Clin Nutr. 2025;45:270. 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.01.009
- Rodríguez-Morán M, Guerrero-Romero F, Barragán-Zuñiga J, Gamboa-Gómez CI, Weyman-Vela Y, et al. Combined oral supplementation with magnesium plus vitamin D alleviates mild to moderate depressive symptoms related to long-COVID: an open-label randomized, controlled clinical trial. Magnes Res. 2024;37:49. 10.1684/mrh.2024.0535
- Yuan Y, Qu L, Sun Q, He P, Zhou X. The Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Alpha Psychiatry. 2024;25:669. 10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2024.241553
- Jiang R, Lu M, Hua Y, Hong Z. Association between serum vitamin D and depression among non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2025;34:112. 10.6133/apjcn.202502_34(1).0011
- Putranto R, Setiati S, Nasrun MW, Witjaksono F, Immanuel S, et al. Effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on depressive symptoms, C-peptide, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Narra J. 2024;4:e1342. 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1342
- Ghaemi S, Zeraattalab-Motlagh S, Jayedi A, Shab-Bidar S. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychol Med. 2024;54:1. 10.1017/S0033291724001697
- Carnegie RE, Zheng J, Borges MC, Jones HJ, Wade KH, et al. Micronutrients and Major Depression: A Mendelian Randomisation Study. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16213690
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