The effect of vitamin D supplement on negative emotions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 32365423 · doi:10.1002/da.23025
What was done
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published before February 2019 comparing the effect of vitamin D versus placebo on negative emotions. Subgroup analyses examined clinical depression status, baseline serum 25(OH)D levels, dosage, and intervention duration.
What was found
Across 25 trials including 7,534 participants, vitamin D significantly reduced negative emotions compared to placebo (Hedges' g = -0.4990, 95% CI [-0.8453, -0.1528], p = .0047; I² = 97.7%). Significant effects were observed in subgroups with major depressive disorder, baseline serum 25(OH)D ≤ 50 nmol/L, duration ≥ 8 weeks, and dosage ≤ 4,000 IU/day; exact numerical effect sizes for subgroups were not provided in the abstract.
Why it matters
This meta-analysis suggests vitamin D supplementation can improve negative emotional outcomes, especially in individuals with baseline deficiency or major depressive disorder.
Limits
Statistical heterogeneity across included trials was exceptionally high (I² = 97.7%). The abstract does not provide numerical effect estimates or confidence intervals for the subgroup analyses, nor does it report trial risk of bias or separate outcomes for anxiety versus depression.
Cited by
- supports Nutrient deficiencies such as iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, and low omega-3 status drive or exacerbate anxiety and depression.