Vitamin D3 for Depression
Fat-soluble vitamin synthesised in skin from UVB exposure and activated by the liver and kidneys; regulates calcium and phosphate absorption for bone health and modulates immune and mood pathways via vitamin D receptors.
Vitamin D3 for Depression
0 of 2 results reported a benefit, from 1 published study.
1 randomised trial, 18,353 people · the chart counts everything measured
- 2 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Depression symptomsNo clear difference0.01 points higher1 randomised trial2020 study ↗
- Risk of developing depressionNo clear difference3% lower rate1 randomised trial2020 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultThe connection
Major depression, persistent low mood and related conditions.
Also known as: Cholecalciferol
Vitamin D3 × Depression: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Vitamin D3 / Depression: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| No benefit | 2 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Randomised trial | 2 |
- Studies
- 1
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effect of Long-term Vitamin D3 Supplementation vs Placebo on Risk of Depression or Clinically Relevant Depressive Symptoms and on Change in Mood Scores: A Randomized Clinical Trial. (PMID 32749491) | Change in mood scores (PHQ-8) | Not reported | mean difference for change in mood scores, 0.01 points [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.05 points] | median treatment duration was 5.3 years |
| Effect of Long-term Vitamin D3 Supplementation vs Placebo on Risk of Depression or Clinically Relevant Depressive Symptoms and on Change in Mood Scores: A Randomized Clinical Trial. (PMID 32749491) | Risk of depression or clinically relevant depressive symptoms | Not reported | hazard ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.09]; P = .62 | median treatment duration was 5.3 years |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 32749491 2020 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 18 353Duration: median treatment duration was 5.3 years | Change in mood scores (PHQ-8) | Not reported (mean difference for change in mood scores, 0.01 points [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.05 points]) | No benefit |
| PMID 32749491 2020 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 18 353Duration: median treatment duration was 5.3 years | Risk of depression or clinically relevant depressive symptoms | Not reported (hazard ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.09]; P = .62) | No benefit |
Vitamin D3 × Depression: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsShafiee A, et al. · Nutrition reviews · 2025PMID 38913392 ↗02Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisUrata M, et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology reports · 2025PMID 40014460 ↗03Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysisCheng YC, et al. · Psychological medicine · 2025PMID 40314175 ↗04Vitamin D's Impact on Cancer Incidence and Mortality: A Systematic ReviewWimalawansa SJ · Nutrients · 2025PMID 40732958 ↗05Role of vitamin D as adjuvant therapy on multiple sclerosis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsSerag I, et al. · European journal of medical research · 2025PMID 40797337 ↗06Population-based interventions for preventing falls and fall-related injuries in older peopleLewis SR, et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2024PMID 38180112 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.