Vitamin D will not protect you from depression: Large study debunks myth that the ‘sunshine supplement’ reduces the risk of mood disorders
- Previous studies have linked low blood levels of vitamin D with higher risk for depression in middle-age and old age
- Researchers gave half of a group of 18,000 men and women vitamin D3 pills over five years and the other half a placebo
- Adults taking the supplements did not have more depressive symptoms or different mood scores than those given the placebo
For years, Americans have been prescribed vitamin D, with doctors claiming the nutrient will protect against depression.
But a new study of more than 18,000 adults shows that the supplement does not reduce the risk of developing mood disorders.
Researchers found men and women taking vitamin D3 tablets did not have fewer depressive symptoms than those given a placebo.
The team, from Massachusetts General Hospital, says the findings suggest that it may be time to cast doubt on other presumed benefits of the vitamin.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital has found that adults taking vitamin D3 supplements did not have fewer depressive symptoms than those taking a placebo (file image)
Vitamin D is sometimes called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because the skin naturally creates it when exposed to sunlight.
It is found in foods such as milk, cheese, egg yolks, tuna and salmon, although often in low amounts, which is why supplements are sometimes needed.
Previous research has associated low blood levels of vitamin D with higher risk for depression, a serious mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and affects the ability to go about daily activities, in middle-age or old age.
Symptoms of depression, coupled with poor mental health, has been linked to premature deaths from drugs, alcohol and suicide.
While treatment methods have significantly advanced – with new drugs and therapies available – many mental health experts say prevention and early intervention are key.
For the study, published in JAMA, the team set up the VITAL-DEP (Depression Endpoint Prevention in the Vitamin D and Omega-3) trial.
More than 18,300 men and women aged 50 or older with no history or indication of clinical depression were examined.
Half the participants received vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplements for five years and the other half received a placebo over the same duration.
At the end of the study period, the group taking vitamins did not have fewer depressive symptoms that those taking the placebo.
There were also no significant differences in mood scores between the two groups over the course of five years.
‘There was no significant benefit from the supplement for this purpose. It did not prevent depression or improve mood,’ said lead author Dr Olivia Okereke, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital.
‘It’s not time to throw out your vitamin D yet though, at least not without your doctor’s advice.’
The team added that people taking supplements for bone and metabolic health should continue to do so.
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