Postpartum depression and vitamin D: A systematic review

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#depression-postpartum #dietary-supplements #female #humans #vitamin-d

Postpartum depression and vitamin D: A systematic review

Amini et al., 2019 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Amini Shirin, Jafarirad Sima, Amani Reza. Postpartum depression and vitamin D: A systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;59(9):1514-1520. doi:10.1080/10408398.2017.1423276

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mood disorder estimated to affect 20%-40% of women worldwide after childbirth. In recent studies, the effect of vitamin D on prevention of mood disorders and depression has been investigated, but it is still unclear how vitamin D may affect PPD. The evidence on the relevance between vitamin D deficiency and PPD is inconsistent, and assessment of the recent literature has not previously been carried out. Moreover, there are few clinical studies on PPD and vitamin D supplementation. Five studies have so far assessed the relationship between the levels of vitamin D and PPD. Findings from cohort studies suggest that vitamin-D deficiency is related to the incidence of PPD and vitamin D may play a significant role in the recovery of women with PPD, but it is uncertain whether these actions are the effect of vitamin D on the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the levels of estradiol, serotonin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and/or of other mechanisms involved in PPD.

Key Findings

Findings from cohort studies suggest that vitamin-D deficiency is related to the incidence of PPD and vitamin D may play a significant role in the recovery of women with PPD, but it is uncertain whether these actions are the effect of vitamin D on the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the levels of estradiol, serotonin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and/or of other mechanisms involved in PPD.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Depression, Postpartum
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D Deficiency

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-d-mood

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09