Potential Role of Vitamin D for the Management of Depression and Anxiety.

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a role not only in calcium and phosphate homeostasis but also in several other functions, including cell growth and neuromuscular and immune function. The deficiency of vitamin D is highly prevalent throughout the world and has been suggested to be associated with an enhanced risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation has been investigated for the prevention and treatment of these disorders.

Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, biochemical parameters and symptoms of depression and anxiety in healthy individuals.

Growing evidence support the role of vitamin D in brain function and behavior. This study investigated the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, biochemical profile and symptoms of depression and anxiety in healthy individuals. Symptoms of depression were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and anxiety was evaluated with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).