Low vitamin D levels linked to depression in young women

It is known that Vitamin D is essential for bone health and muscle function. However, there is a widespread belief that vitamin D levels are related to depression although it is not backed by any study. To investigate this claim, researchers at the Oregon State University led by David Kerr studied 185 healthy women in the age group of 18 and 25. Their vitamin D levels were measured from blood samples and participants completed a depression symptom survey each week for five weeks. Many seemingly healthy women involved in the study had vitamin D levels considered insufficient for good health, and the rates were found to be much higher women of color. A third of the participants with low levels of vitamin D showed clinically significant depressive symptoms. It was also discovered that the levels differed at different times of the year: the levels were lowest in winter and rose in spring. However, the researchers are careful to mention that further study is required to firmly assert the link between vitamin D levels and depression.

Read more in Science Daily.