Vitamin D and mood disorders among women: an integrative review

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Sep-Oct;53(5):440-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jmwh.2008.04.014.

Abstract

This integrative review evaluates research studies that investigated the association between vitamin D and mood disorders affecting women to determine whether further research comparing these variables is warranted. A literature search using CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases was conducted to locate peer-reviewed mood disorder research studies that measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. Four of six studies reviewed imparted significant results, with all four showing an association between low 25(OH)D levels and higher incidences of four mood disorders: premenstrual syndrome, seasonal affective disorder, non-specified mood disorder, and major depressive disorder. This review indicates a possible biochemical mechanism occurring between vitamin D and mood disorders affecting women, warranting further studies of these variables using rigorous methodologies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mood Disorders / etiology*
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / psychology*

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D