comparison of serum vitamin d levels in depressed and healthy individuals at the zahedan psychiatric clinic

Introduction: recent research has highlighted the potential role of vitamin d in brain function and development, including its influence on cognitive function and mental health. however, evidence regarding the association between vitamin d levels and depression remains inconsistent. objective: this study aimed to compare serum vitamin d levels between individuals with depression and healthy controls referred to the psychiatric clinic in zahedan. methods: a case-control study was conducted involving 54 individuals with depressive symptoms and 45 healthy controls. serum vitamin d levels were measured using the elisa immunoassay. statistical analyses were performed using spss version 21.0. results: the mean serum vitamin d levels in the case and control groups were 24.2 ± 13.3 ng/ml and 30 ± 14.4 ng/ml, respectively (p = 0.04). no significant differences in demographic characteristics were observed between the two groups. serum vitamin d levels were significantly lower in depressed patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.04). the analysis revealed that 36 (66.7%) depressed patients and 19 (42.2%) controls had vitamin d deficiency, while 18 (33.3%) and 26 (57.8%) participants in the case and control groups had normal or higher serum vitamin d levels, respectively. furthermore, the frequency of vitamin d insufficiency was significantly higher in the depressed group compared to controls (p = 0.01). conclusions: this study demonstrates that vitamin d deficiency is more prevalent in individuals with depression, suggesting increased vulnerability in this population. further diagnostic investigations and educational programs focusing on the prevention, detection, and treatment of vitamin d deficiency are warranted.