Vitamin D : a recipe for depression
Location
Auditorium Pond Side
Start Date
26-2-2014 10:30 AM
Abstract
Introduction: Depression has become the fourth leading cause of Disability-adjusted Life years worldwide. It was a decade ago when role of Vitamin D was first hypothesized to be associated with depression. Residents of countries with less sun exposure such as Canada and some parts of Europe are at high risk of developing Depression. Countries where women are expected to observe purdah also has high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency.
Methods: Literature was searched using Key words Depression, Vitamin D, Deficiency, and Treatment using PubMed and CINHAL. Studies since 2000 were included and relevant articles were retrieved.
Results: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of depression. Receptors for Vitamin D are present in human brain; several studies affirm the involvement of Vitamin D in neuronal pathways affecting Dopamine and norepinephrine. Receptors are present throughout the body playing role in fighting with depression through not only through brain receptors but also the inflammation pathway. There has been a positive association established in observational studies among vitamin D and Depression. Vitamin D deficient elders are 11 times more likely to be depressed than others. Recommendations: Patients diagnosed with depression should be examined for potential Vitamin D deficiency and Vitamin D supplements should be included in the treatment of depression to accelerate recovery. Patients should also be encouraged for outdoor activities to allow maximum opportunity for Vitamin D absorption
Keywords: Depression, Vitamin D, Mental Health, Treatment
Vitamin D : a recipe for depression
Auditorium Pond Side
Introduction: Depression has become the fourth leading cause of Disability-adjusted Life years worldwide. It was a decade ago when role of Vitamin D was first hypothesized to be associated with depression. Residents of countries with less sun exposure such as Canada and some parts of Europe are at high risk of developing Depression. Countries where women are expected to observe purdah also has high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency.
Methods: Literature was searched using Key words Depression, Vitamin D, Deficiency, and Treatment using PubMed and CINHAL. Studies since 2000 were included and relevant articles were retrieved.
Results: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of depression. Receptors for Vitamin D are present in human brain; several studies affirm the involvement of Vitamin D in neuronal pathways affecting Dopamine and norepinephrine. Receptors are present throughout the body playing role in fighting with depression through not only through brain receptors but also the inflammation pathway. There has been a positive association established in observational studies among vitamin D and Depression. Vitamin D deficient elders are 11 times more likely to be depressed than others. Recommendations: Patients diagnosed with depression should be examined for potential Vitamin D deficiency and Vitamin D supplements should be included in the treatment of depression to accelerate recovery. Patients should also be encouraged for outdoor activities to allow maximum opportunity for Vitamin D absorption
Keywords: Depression, Vitamin D, Mental Health, Treatment