A Systematic Review of the Updated Evidence on the Relationship Between Vitamin D and Depression

Abstract

Background: Depression is a major global health concern, affecting roughly one in ten individuals, and often requires long-term, multifaceted treatment approaches. Recent research has begun to investigate the potential link between vitamin D deficiency and depression, with growing evidence suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in neurobiology and contribute to depressive symptoms. However, the precise nature of this connection remains unclear, and more research is needed to understand how vitamin D may influence depression management. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review focused exclusively on full-text articles published in English between 2014 and 2024. Result: The study conducted a comprehensive review of over 15,000 publications sourced from reputable databases, including ScienceDirect, SagePub, and PubMed. Following an initial screening, four publications were identified as warranting more in-depth analysis. Consequently, a thorough review of these selected studies was performed to ensure a detailed and rigorous evaluation. Conclusion: The analysis of vitamin D's therapeutic potential in depression treatment found mixed results. Some studies showed mood improvements and stabilization of serum vitamin D levels when combined with SSRI antidepressants. However, others found no significant relationship between baseline vitamin D levels and depression symptoms, suggesting caution in its use.