Relationship of Vitamin D3 Deficiency to Depression in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature From 2008-2013

In 2009, the seminal integrative literature review on vitamin D and the occurrence of depression included 17 studies on older adults and determined the relationship between vitamin D and depression to be largely circumstantial. Since this publication, 10 studies have assessed the relationship of vitamin D status/supplementation to depression in elders. Six studies indicated a link between vitamin D deficiency, depressive symptoms, and overall psychological health, and 4 studies highlight vitamin D supplementation and the effect on depressive symptoms. More studies are needed to confirm a definitive relationship between vitamin D status, supplementation, and effect on depression in geriatric populations.