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Does vitamin D3 supplementation improve depression scores among rural adolescents? a randomized controlled trial
Recent evidence indicates that low vitamin D levels are linked to depression, negative mood, and other mental health disorders. Individuals with sufficient vitamin D are significantly less likely to develop depression. Vitamin D supplementation (VDS) has been found to improve symptoms of depression across various age groups. This study by Satyanarayana et al. (2024) sought to investigate the impact VDS may play on depression scores among rural adolescents. This research was a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted over three years with adolescents in rural Kolar. Both participant groups (intervention and control) had their vitamin D status and depression scores evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. The intervention group received 2250 IU of vitamin D, while the control group received 250 IU for 9 weeks. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic information, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) measured depression levels. Participants were monitored weekly by the pediatric team for any side effects throughout the trial. Among the students in the vitamin D supplementation group (n=235), 129 (54.9%) were 15 years old, 124 (52.8%) were boys, and 187 (79.6%) lived in nuclear families, while the control group (n = 216 students), 143 (66.2%) were 15 years old, 116 (53.7%) were girls, and 136 (63%) belonged to nuclear families. Analysis of the Beck depression scores revealed a statistically significant reduction in the intervention group following supplementation. The study demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation effectively lowered depression scores, suggesting that nutritional interventions can be a valuable strategy for addressing mental health issues like depression. The authors comment that implementing vitamin D supplementation in schools could provide various health benefits while simultaneously supporting mental well-being. [NPID: Vitamin D supplementation, rural adolescents, depression, RCT]
Year: 2024
