The effect of vitamin D supplementation on primary depression: A meta-analysis

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

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on primary depression: A meta-analysis

Wang et al., 2024 | J Affect Disord | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wang Rui, Xu Feng, ... Xie Zhongjian. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on primary depression: A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2024-Jan-01;344:653-661. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous meta-analyses reported inconsistent results on the effect of vitamin D on depression because of different baseline concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], highlighting the need for a more accurate subgroup analysis of previously published findings. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression in adults. METHODS: A systematic search in numerous databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed. Randomized-controlled trials comparing the effect of vitamin D on depression in adults were selected. RESULTS: Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria in the retrieved citations. The meta-analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation had a significant effect on overall reduction in depression symptom scores (SMD = -0.15, 95 % CI [-0.26, -0.04]). Sub-group analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced depressive symptom scores in patients with serum 25(OH)D levels higher than 50 nmol/L (SMD = -0.38, 95 % CI [-0.68, -0.08]). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation has a benefit on improving depressive symptoms in adults with primary depression and 25(OH)D levels higher than 50 nmol/L but has no effect on improving depressive symptoms in adults with primary depression and 25(OH)D levels lower than 50 nmol/L. Relatively high levels of 25(OH)D maybe required for alleviating depression. LIMITATIONS: The randomized studies included in this study were designed and completed at different times and countries, the variability in duration and dose of vitamin D supplementation may have introduced significant heterogeneity and have militated against observation of the effects of vitamin D supplementation on depression.

Key Findings

Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria in the retrieved citations. The meta-analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation had a significant effect on overall reduction in depression symptom scores (SMD = -0.15, 95 % CI [-0.26, -0.04]). Sub-group analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced depressive symptom scores in patients with serum 25(OH)D levels higher than 50 nmol/L (SMD = -0.38, 95 % CI [-0.68, -0.08]).

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population serum 25
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Depression
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D Deficiency
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: 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