ABSTRACT
Aim of the Study: to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies of the association of vitamin D deficiency with onset of depression in non- depressed individuals
Methods: a systematic review of the electronically searched publications of the scientific literature. We searched the Cochrane Hepato Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE [1946 to 2017], EMBASE [1974 to 2017], and Science Citation Index Expanded [1900 to 2017]. Initially all randomized clinical trials which studied the correlation of Vitamin D with depression were included; articles were then selectively screened according to the eligibility criteria
Results: the search yielded 11 studies; A meta-analysis of all studies without flaws demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depression with Vitamin D supplements [+0.72 CI +0.28, +1.31]. Nevertheless, studies with biological flaws were mainly inconclusive
Conclusion: our analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that Vitamin D supplementation [>/=800 I.U. daily] was supported in the management of depression