Vitamin D protects against depression: Evidence from an umbrella meta-analysis on interventional and observational meta-analyses

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #vitamin-d #depression #vitamins #dietary-supplements

Vitamin D protects against depression: Evidence from an umbrella meta-analysis on interventional and observational meta-analyses

Musazadeh et al., 2023 | Pharmacol Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Musazadeh Vali, Keramati Majid, ... Mekary Rania A. Vitamin D protects against depression: Evidence from an umbrella meta-analysis on interventional and observational meta-analyses. Pharmacol Res. 2023-Jan;187:106605. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106605

Abstract

Meta-analyses of interventional and observational studies investigating the efficacy and the relationship between vitamin D and depression provided inconsistent results. The current umbrella meta-analysis was conducted to assess the available evidence and provide a conclusive outcome in this regard. The following international databases were systematically searched till March 2022: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Random-effects model was carried out to calculate the pooled point estimates and their respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Ten meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) revealed significant reduction in depression symptoms comparing participants on vitmain D supplements to those on placebo (Pooled standardised mean difference: - 0.40; 95 % CI: - 0.60, - 0.21, p < 0.01: I2 = 89.1 %, p < 0.01). Four meta-analyses of cohort studies (with one having two subgroups) revealed that participants with lower levels of serum vitamin D were at increased odds of depression than those with higher levels of serum vitamin D (Pooled odds ratio: 1.60; 95 % CI: 1.08, 2.36, p < 0.01; I2 = 91.3 %, p < 0.01). The present umbrella meta-analysis confirms the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation and higher serum vitamin D levels in reducing the development and symptoms of depression.

Key Findings

The present umbrella meta-analysis confirms the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation and higher serum vitamin D levels in reducing the development and symptoms of depression.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Vitamin D
  • Depression
  • Vitamins
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Vitamin D Deficiency

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: vitamin-d-mood

Provenance

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