Relationship between Depression and Low Vitamin D Level

Introduction: Depression is a devastating disease that adversely affects all aspects of one's existence. Ample evidence suggests that vitamin D has important functions in the human brain and may play a role in depressio n. Low serum vitamin D is linked to depression, Aim of the Work : To investigate the association between serum vitamin D level and depression in a sample of female patients with depressive disorder. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted among a random sample of 50 female depressed patients, their demographic, behavioral, and health - related factors, including age, education, marital state, history of smoking, and participation in physical activity were completed. Weight and height were measured di rectly and used to calculate body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m) 2 ) , their age was ranged from 25 - 65. They also submitted to Complete medical history, Complete medical examination, Laboratory investigations: Assessment of Fasting and postprandial blood sugar, - Vitamin D serum level ; serum 25 - hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD - Total) . Complete Psychiatric interview ; with application of Beck Depression Scale for diagnosis and assessment the severity of depression . Results 22% of the sample had mild depression, 44% had moderate depression, and 34% had severe depression, there was statistical significant correlation between severity grading of depression and older age. A direct relation between severity scoring of depression and decreased physical activity, increased body mass index, smoking and hypertension. Low vitamin D level were common in the sample as a whole, with 84% of participants having level in either the deficient range 38 % (25(OH)D< 10 ng/mL) , or the insufficient range 46% (25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL). Mean vita min D level was 15.2 which was significantly correlated with severity grading of depression . Conclusion ; Our findings suggest that screening for vitamin D levels in depressed patients — and perhaps screening for depression in people with low vitamin D leve ls — might be useful.