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Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight and obese subjects: randomized double blind trial

  1. R. Jorde1,2,
  2. M. Sneve2,
  3. Y. Figenschau3,4,
  4. J. Svartberg1,2,
  5. K. Waterloo5,6

Article first published online: 11 SEP 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2008.02008.x

Issue

Journal of Internal Medicine

Journal of Internal Medicine

Volume 264, Issue 6, pages 599–609, December 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

Jorde, R., Sneve, M., Figenschau, Y., Svartberg, J. and Waterloo, K. (2008), Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight and obese subjects: randomized double blind trial. Journal of Internal Medicine, 264: 599–609. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2008.02008.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    From the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø

  2. 2

    Departments of Internal Medicine and

  3. 3

    Medical Biochemistry, University Hospital of North Norway

  4. 4

    Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø

  5. 5

    Department of Neurology, University Hospital of North Norway

  6. 6

    Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway

*Rolf Jorde, Medical Department, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø 9038, Norway. (fax: + 47 776 26863; e-mail: rolf.jorde@unn.no).

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 11 NOV 2008
  2. Article first published online: 11 SEP 2008

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Keywords:

  • depression;
  • obesity;
  • vitamins

Abstract.

Objectives.  The objective of the present study was to examine the cross-sectional relation between serum 25-hydoxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D] levels and depression in overweight and obese subjects and to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms.

Design.  Cross-sectional study and randomized double blind controlled trial of 20.000 or 40.000 IU vitamin D per week versus placebo for 1 year.

Setting.  A total of 441 subjects (body mass index 28–47 kg m−2, 159 men and 282 women, aged 21–70 years) recruited by advertisements or from the out-patient clinic at the University Hospital of North Norway.

Main outcome measures.  Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score with subscales 1–13 and 14–21.

Results.  Subjects with serum 25(OH)D levels <40 nmol L−1 scored significantly higher (more depressive traits) than those with serum 25(OH)D levels ≥40 nmol L−1 on the BDI total [6.0 (0–23) versus 4.5 (0–28) (median and range)] and the BDI subscale 1–13 [2.0 (0–15) versus 1.0 (0–29.5)] (P < 0.05). In the two groups given vitamin D, but not in the placebo group, there was a significant improvement in BDI scores after 1 year. There was a significant decrease in serum parathyroid hormone in the two vitamin D groups without a concomitant increase in serum calcium.

Conclusions.  It appears to be a relation between serum levels of 25(OH)D and symptoms of depression. Supplementation with high doses of vitamin D seems to ameliorate these symptoms indicating a possible causal relationship.

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