Comparison of Serum Vitamin D Levels in Depressed and Healthy Individuals at the Zahedan Psychiatric Clinic

Introduction: Recent research has highlighted the potential role of vitamin D in brain function and development, including its influence on cognitive function and mental health. However, evidence regarding the association between vitamin D levels and depression remains inconsistent. Objective: This study aimed to compare serum vitamin D levels between individuals with depression and healthy controls referred to the psychiatric clinic in Zahedan. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving ۵۴ individuals with depressive symptoms and ۴۵ healthy controls. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using the ELISA immunoassay. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version ۲۱.۰. Results: The mean serum vitamin D levels in the case and control groups were ۲۴.۲ ± ۱۳.۳ ng/ml and ۳۰ ± ۱۴.۴ ng/ml, respectively (P = ۰.۰۴). No significant differences in demographic characteristics were observed between the two groups. Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in depressed patients compared to healthy controls (P = ۰.۰۴). The analysis revealed that ۳۶ (۶۶.۷%) depressed patients and ۱۹ (۴۲.۲%) controls had vitamin D deficiency, while ۱۸ (۳۳.۳%) and ۲۶ (۵۷.۸%) participants in the case and control groups had normal or higher serum vitamin D levels, respectively. Furthermore, the frequency of vitamin D insufficiency was significantly higher in the depressed group compared to controls (P = ۰.۰۱). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in individuals with depression, suggesting increased vulnerability in this population. Further diagnostic investigations and educational programs focusing on the prevention, detection, and treatment of vitamin D deficiency are warranted.

کلیدواژه ها:

۲۵-hydroxyvitamin D ، Depression ، BDI score