Effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression in older Australian adults
Rahman ST, et al
Published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; adults aged 60-84 received 60,000 IU vitamin D3 monthly or placebo for up to 5 years, with annual PHQ-9 depressive symptom assessment.
Key Findings
In the D-Health trial (21,315 older Australians, 5 years of monthly 60,000 IU vitamin D3), supplementation produced no reduction in depressive symptoms: PHQ-9 scores and the odds of clinically significant depressive symptoms were essentially identical to placebo across all subgroups, including participants with lower predicted baseline vitamin D status.
Conclusions
Monthly supplementation with high-dose vitamin D3 was not of benefit for measures of depression overall, but there was some evidence of benefit in subgroup analyses.
Limitations
Population largely vitamin D replete at baseline, limiting ability to detect benefit in deficiency; bolus monthly dosing may differ from daily dosing; depression assessed by self-report questionnaire rather than clinical diagnosis; participants community-dwelling and relatively healthy.
Supplements Studied
Monthly supplementation with high-dose vitamin D3 was not of benefit for measures of depression overall, but there was some evidence of benefit in subgroup analyses.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.