Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients With Depression

Evaluation of Vitamin D Supplementation Effects on Serum 25(OH)D3, PTH, Pro-inflammatory Biomarkers and Neurotransmitters Involved in Depression, and Depression Status in Depressive Patients

Groups (intervention group receives 50000 IU vitamin D and control group receives placebo) through a random allocation. After 8 weeks, blood sample will be collected from each participant. The studied indices (inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, hs-CRP), PTH, platelet serotonin, serum oxytocin, serum 25(OH) D, depression status and anthropometry indices) will be evaluated at beginning and end of interventional period.

In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 60 patients aged 18-60y referred to Baharlou hospital with a history of mild to moderate depression diagnosed by a psychiatrist will be presented to the researcher. After receipt of a signed informed consent form, eligible patients will participate. A general demographic questionnaire will be completed by an interviewer. Individuals are randomly divided into intervention and control groups. A 10-ml venous blood sample will be collected from each participant. The intervention group receives 50000 IU of vitamin D every 2 weeks as vitamin D supplements for 8 weeks, provided monthly. The control group receives placebo. The drug schedule of both groups (if any) will be unchanged according to the prescribing physician. After 8 weeks, blood sample will be collected from each participant. The studied indices (inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, hs-CRP), PTH, platelet serotonin, serum oxytocin, serum 25(OH) D, depression status, anthropometry indices) will be evaluated at beginning and end of interventional period. Data will be analyzed by statistical tests.

The intervention group receives 50000 IU of vitamin D every 2 weeks as vitamin D supplements for 8 weeks, provided monthly.

The serum concentration of 25(OH) D (nmol/L) will be measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention. normal range is 25-162 nmol/L

The serum concentration of IL-1β and IL-6 (pg/mL) will be measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention.

The serum concentration of hs-CRP (mg/L) will be measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention. normal range is 0.3-8.6 mg/L.

The serum concentration of parathormone (PTH) (pg/mL) will be measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention. normal range is 10-65 pg/mL.

The platelet serotonin concentrations (ng/10^9 platelets) will be measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention. normal range is 154-1086.

The serum concentrations of oxytocin (µU/mL) will be measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention. normal range is : males:1.1-1.9, females (non-pregnant): 1.0-1.8

Depression status will be measured by using Beck questioner at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention.

Inclusion Criteria: age: 18 to 60 y Having mild to moderate depression Exclusion Criteria: Having a history of heart infarction Having a history of angina Having a history of stroke Having a history of kidney stones Having a history of high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure higher than 174 or diastolic blood pressure higher than 104 mm Hg) Having a history of liver disease Having a history of hyperparathyroidism Pregnancy and/or lactation Reproductive-aged women (under 50 years old) who are not receiving adequate contraception Consuming nutritional supplement containing vitamin D from 2 months ago Not willing to continue the study Failure to follow the Supplemental Program

Kaviani M, Nikooyeh B, Etesam F, Behnagh SJ, Kangarani HM, Arefi M, Yaghmaei P, Neyestani TR. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on depression and some selected pro-inflammatory biomarkers: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. BMC Psychiatry. 2022 Nov 11;22(1):694. doi: 10.1186/s12888-022-04305-3.