Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nutrition

Committee Chair

Tafere Belay

Second Committee Member

Kelly Prichett

Third Committee Member

Meghan Nolte

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitamin D (VD), essential for bone health and various physiological processes, has been increasingly associated with mental health, particularly depression. Depression is the most common and prevalent of disorders regarding mental health. It is influenced by biological, psychological, and socioeconomic factors. This study examines association and the interplay of both vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and depression among adults 18- 70+ residing in the U.S, focusing on disparities across demographic and socioeconomic groups.

Methods: Data was taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. The present study utilized a cross-sectional analysis included 7,981 participants aged 18 and older. VD status was classified as sufficient ( ≥ 50 nmol/L) or insufficient/deficient ( < 50 nmol/L), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate an individual’s depression score. Chi-squared tests and t-tests were used for statistical analysis to evaluated the associations between serum VD levels, dietary intake, and depression, adjusting for socioeconomic and demographic variables.

Results: Approximately 46.1% of participants had insufficient or deficient VD levels. Depression was significantly more prevalent among individuals with lower serum VD levels (p = 0.0004), particularly in females, younger adults, non-Hispanic Blacks, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Dietary VD intake showed no significant association with depression, suggesting that serum VD levels, influenced by factors such as sun exposure and VD metabolism, play a more critical role. Obesity and food insecurity were also strongly associated with both VDD and depression.

Conclusion: VDD is strongly linked to a higher likelihood of developing depression, highlighting the need for targeted public health strategies to improve VD status, particularly in vulnerable populations. Interventions should include dietary supplementation, education on sun exposure, and addressing socioeconomic barriers. Further longitudinal studies are required to determine if there is any causality between the two, and to investigate any potential therapeutic benefits of VD in mental health management.

By Joshua Yearout, THE ASSOCIATION OF VITAMIN D STATUS IN US ADULTS WITH DEPRESSION: NHANES 2011 – 2018, March, 2025

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