European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Depression is a common mental disorder in India and across the world. In India, as per the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) during 2015–2016, the weighted prevalence of lifetime and current depression was 5.25% and 2.68% respectively. Many studies have provided the evidence on the possible etiological relation and beneficial effects of vitamin D for the management of these disorders. It has been suggested that a suboptimal vitamin D levels are frequently observed in patients with depression.  Methods:This observational,comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care centre of east Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh, India over a period of six months from June 2021 to November 2022.70 patients diagnosed with depression and 70 healthy individuals i.e. without depression were studied. Their serum Vitamin D levels were measured and compared.  Results:  Among depressed individuals most were females, from age range of 41-60 years, rural background and lower socioeconomic status. Similarly among non-depressed individuals major were females, belonging to rural area and lower socioeconomic status. There was no statistically significant difference between these two groups in terms of these demography variables. In the depressed participants group around 65% had either insufficient/ deficient levels and nearly one third had normal Vitamin D level, whereas in non- depressed group distribution was nearly equal. The difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Although nearly two third depressed participants had either insufficient/ deficient levels, the difference was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, the role cannot be denied. We suggest further researchespecially in India.