The Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis on the connection between vitamin D deficiency and perinatal depression.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP (very important person). Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias in articles using the Cochrane collaboration’s tool, with analysis performed via RevMan software.

Results: After reviewing major databases, 13 studies were included. Three studies assessed prenatal depression and vitamin D levels, showing significantly lower levels in the depres- sion group compared to controls (SMD=−0.41, 95% CI −0.57 to −0.25) with minimal heterogeneity, thus a fixed effects model was used. Another three studies explored post- partum depression and vitamin D, revealing considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 96%, P < .01), leading to the use of a random effects model; these indicated much lower vitamin D levels in the depression group (SMD = −1.62, 95% CI −2.62 to −0.62). Seven studies examined the link between postpartum depression and vitamin D deficiency, again showing significant heterogeneity (I2 = 92%, P < .01) and lower vitamin D levels in depressed women (SMD [Standardized Mean Difference] = 2.28, 95% CI 1.60-3.25), with no significant publication bias detected.

Conclusion: Reduced vitamin D levels are significantly associated with the incidence of perinatal depression. Pregnant women with reduced vitamin D levels have a relatively higher risk of depression. This signifies that vitamin D levels may figure prominently in maintaining maternal mental health.

Cite this article as: Yuan Y, Qu L, Sun Q, He P, Zhou X. The association between vitamin D deficiency and perinatal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Alpha Psychiatry. 2024;25(6):669-675.