Relationship Between Vitamin D Levels and Depressive Symptoms in Older Residents From a National Survey Population

Objective: To investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and depressive symptoms in a national community sample of older people. Vitamin D deficiency is common in older people with potential effects on mood. Methods: Data were analyzed from 2070 participants aged >= 65 years who had participated in the 2005 Health Survey for England. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D) levels and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale) had been measured. Covariates included age, sex, social class, season of examination, and physical health status. Results: Depressive symptoms were associated with clinical vitamin D deficiency (25(OH) D levels < 10 ng/mL; present in 9.8%) independent of other covariates but not with broader deficiency states. This association was not modified by season of examination. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with late-life depression in northern latitudes.