The psychotropic effect of vitamin D supplementation on schizophrenia symptoms

Abstract Background Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disease involving interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Vitamin D has recently been linked to many metabolic diseases and schizophrenia. Vitamin D plays essential roles in the brain in the context of neuroplasticity, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, neuroprotection, and neurotransmission. Vitamin D receptors are demonstrated in most brain regions that are related to schizophrenia. However, very few studies in the literature examine the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) on schizophrenia symptoms. Methods This study aimed to examine the effects of vitamin D replacement on positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Serum 25OHD levels of 52 schizophrenia patients were measured. SANS and SAPS were used to evaluate the severity of schizophrenia symptoms, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test: CV4 was used for cognitive assessment. The study was completed with 40 patients for various reasons. The patients whose serum 25OHD reached optimal levels after vitamin D replacement were reevaluated with the same scales in terms of symptom severity. The SPSS 25 package program was used for statistical analysis. The Independent-Samples t-test was used to examine the relationship between the variables that may affect vitamin D levels and the vitamin D level and to examine whether vitamin D levels had an initial effect on the scale scores. Results The mean plasma 25OHD levels of the patients was 17.87 ± 5.54. A statistically significant relationship was found only between the duration of sunlight exposure and 25 OHD level (p < 0.05). The mean SANS and SAPS scores of the participants after 25OHD replacement (23.60 ± 15.51 and 7.78 ± 8.84, respectively) were statistically significantly lower than mean SANS and SAPS scores before replacement (51.45 ± 17.96 and 18.58 ± 15.59, respectively) (p < 0.001 for all). Only the total attention score was significantly improved after replacement (p < 0.05). Conclusion The data obtained from our study suggest that eliminating the 25OHD deficiency together with antipsychotic treatment can improve the total attention span and positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The 25OHD levels should be regularly measured, replacement should be started when necessary, and the patients should be encouraged to get sunlight exposure to keep optimal 25OHD levels.

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CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM VITAMIN D LEVELS AND SEVERITY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS IN THE DR. SOETOMO HOSPITAL

INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY AND MEDICAL LABORATORY ◽

10.24293/ijcpml.v25i3.1361 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 250

Author(s):

Adil Dinata Simangunsong ◽

Aryati Aryati ◽

Azimatul Karimah ◽

Ferdy Royland Marpaung

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Negative Symptoms ◽

Serum Vitamin ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Serum Vitamin D ◽

Syndrome Scale ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

The Mean ◽

Psychopathology Symptoms

Introduction. Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem that occurs in various countries. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to various diseases such as kidney failure, liver damage, atherosclerosis, obesity and psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and schizophrenia severity. Methods. Schizophrenia patients who visited the Inpatient and Outpatient Clinic Department of Psychiatry of the Dr. Soetomo Hospital Surabaya. This was a cross-sectional observational study, conducted in December 2017 - April 2018 . The subjects consisted of 53 schizophrenia patients, vitamin D levels < 30 ng /mL (35 (66.04%); > 30 ng/mL (18 (33.96%). Serum vitamin D levels test by enzyme linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) method using Vidas. The severity of schizophrenia was measured using a positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) score. Results. Mean serum vitamin D levels in schizophrenia were 23.45 ± 9.16 ng / mL, serum vitamin D levels in males were 24.36 ± 9.80 ng / ml and females 21.96 ± 7.98 ng / ml. The mean serum vitamin D level and PANSS scores of positive symptoms was 16.42 ± 8.50. The mean serum vitamin D level and PANSS scores of negative symptoms was 15.60 ± 6.12. The mean serum vitamin D level and PANSS scores of general psychopathology symptoms was 29.51 ± 10.29. The statistical results showed no association between vitamin D levels and PANSS scores. Conclusion. The results of this study indicated low serum vitamin D levels in schizophrenia. There was no association between serum vitamin D levels and the severity of schizophrenia using PANSS scores.

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The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic during 2020–2021 on the Vitamin D Serum Levels in the Paediatric Population in Warsaw, Poland

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13061990 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1990

Author(s):

Agnieszka Rustecka ◽

Justyna Maret ◽

Ada Drab ◽

Michalina Leszczyńska ◽

Agata Tomaszewska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Seasonal Variability ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Paediatric Population ◽

Sunlight Exposure ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Impact ◽

Group 1

Background: The main source of vitamin D is skin synthesis, which depends on sunlight exposure. During the pandemic, COVID-19 children were obliged to home confinement, which potentially limiting sunlight exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether home confinement led to decreased vitamin D serum levels in children in Warsaw, Poland. Methods: The study included 1472 children who were divided into two groups, based on the date of 25(OH)D level blood sampling: before and during the pandemic. Children under 1 year of age (infants) were analysed separately. Results: A statistically significant decrease in the average level of vitamin D was observed between groups of children over 1 year of age (35 ng/mL ± 18 vs. 31 ng/mL ± 14). In infants from both groups, the mean vitamin D levels were within the normal range (Group 1 inf 54 ng/mL ± 21 vs. Group 2 inf 47 ng/mL ± 15). The characteristic seasonal variability was observed before the pandemic, with maximal vitamin D levels in summer (40 ng/mL ± 17) and minimal levels in winter (30 ng/mL ± 14). During the pandemic, no seasonal variability was observed (summer 30 ng/mL ± 11 vs. winter 30 ng/mL ± 19). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions led to a significant decrease in vitamin D serum levels in children.

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Vitamin D levels are not associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease severity in a Brazilian population

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000667 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Jeniffer Danielle M. Dutra ◽

Quelson Coelho Lisboa ◽

Silvia Marinho Ferolla ◽

Carolina Martinelli M. L. Carvalho ◽

Camila Costa M. Mendes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Liver Disease ◽

Fatty Liver ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Fatty Liver Disease ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

The Mean ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract. Some epidemiological evidence suggests an inverse correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) frequency and vitamin D levels. Likewise, a beneficial effect of vitamin D on diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin resistance has been observed, but this is an unsolved issue. Thus, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in a NAFLD Brazilian population and its association with disease severity and presence of comorbidities. In a cross-sectional study, the clinical, biochemical and histological parameters of 139 NAFLD patients were evaluated according to two different cut-off points of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (20 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL). The mean age of the population was 56 ± 16 years, most patients were female (83%), 72% had hypertension, 88% dyslipidemia, 46% DM, 98% central obesity, and 82% metabolic syndrome. Serum vitamin D levels were < 30 ng/mL in 78% of the patients, and < 20 ng/mL in 35%. The mean vitamin D level was 24.3 ± 6.8 ng/mL. The comparison between the clinical, biochemical and histological characteristics of the patients according to the levels of vitamin D showed no significant difference. Most patients with NAFLD had hypovitaminosis D, but low vitamin D levels were not related to disease severity and the presence of comorbidities.

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VITAMIN D LEVELS, VITAMIN D INTAKE AND SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE IN PEDIATRIC MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Neuropediatrics ◽

10.1055/s-2006-945647 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 37 (S 1) ◽

Author(s):

R Hung ◽

R Vieth ◽

R Goldman ◽

E Sochett ◽

B Banwell

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Sunlight Exposure ◽

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Vitamin D Intake ◽

Vitamin D Levels

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No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and disability of patients with multiple sclerosis between latitudes 18° and 30° South

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20160173 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 75 (1) ◽

pp. 3-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yara Dadalti Fragoso ◽

Tarso Adoni ◽

Soniza Vieira Alves-Leon ◽

Samira L. Apostolos-Pereira ◽

Walter Oleschko Arruda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Large Population ◽

Serum Vitamin ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Serum Vitamin D ◽

Control Subjects ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

The Mean ◽

25 Oh Vitamin D

ABSTRACT Objective: Vitamin D has taken center stage in research and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum vitamin D levels of a large population of patients with MS and controls living in a restricted tropical area. Methods: Data from 535 patients with MS and 350 control subjects were obtained from 14 cities around the Tropic of Capricorn. Results: The mean serum 25-OH vitamin D level was 26.07 ± 10.27 ng/mL for the control subjects, and 28.03 ± 12.19 ng/mL for patients with MS. No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and the disability of patients over the disease duration. Conclusion: At least for the region around the Tropic of Capricorn, serum levels of vitamin D typically are within the range of 20 to 30 ng/mL for controls and patients with MS.

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To screen or not to screen? Vitamin D deficiency in chronic mental illness

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1039856217726717 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 56-59

Author(s):

Ivana Goluza ◽

Jay Borchard ◽

Nalin Wijesinghe ◽

Kishan Wijesinghe ◽

Nagesh Pai

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Length Of Stay ◽

P Value ◽

Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

Psychiatric Setting ◽

Retrospective Audit ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

Significant Difference ◽

25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

The Mean

Objectives: The objective of the current study was to examine the pathology test utilisation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) within an Australian inpatient psychiatric setting. Method: A retrospective audit of 300 random hospital files of those admitted as inpatients between Nov 2014 and Nov 2015 was undertaken. Data was quantitatively analysed and described. Results: The number of inpatients who had a vitamin D determination during their admission was 37/300 (12.33%). The mean vitamin D level of those tested was 51.63 nmol/l. Of those that were tested, 18/37 (48.6%) were mildly to moderately deficient. There was a statistically significant difference in age and length of stay between those that were and were not tested for vitamin D levels, p-value <0.001 and 0.017, respectively. In addition, a simple linear regression indicated a weak association between length of stay and vitamin D levels. Conclusion: This audit highlights vitamin D screening inadequacy. More research is recommended to establish tangible benefits of supplementation, while local practice provides valuable data for education and policy purposes.

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Serum vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents is associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Endocrine Connections ◽

10.1530/ec-18-0191 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. 1275-1279 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Changwei Liu ◽

Jingwen Wang ◽

Yuanyuan Wan ◽

Xiaona Xia ◽

Jian Pan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Type 1 Diabetes ◽

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

25Ohd Level ◽

Serum 25Ohd ◽

The Mean

Background To investigate the relationship 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) level among children and in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods A case–control study was conducted to compare the serum 25OHD levels between cases and controls. This study recruited 296 T1DM children (106 newly diagnosed T1DM patients and 190 established T1DM patients), and 295 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects as controls. Results The mean serum 25OHD in T1DM children was 48.69 ± 15.26 nmol/L and in the controls was 57.93 ± 19.03 nmol/L. The mean serum 25OHD in T1DM children was lower than that of controls (P < 0.01). The mean serum 25OHD level (50.42 ± 14.74 nmol/L) in the newly diagnosed T1DM children was higher than that (47.70 ± 15.50 nmol/L) in the established T1DM children but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.16). HbA1c values were associated with 25OHD levels in established T1DM children (r = 0.264, P < 0.01), and there was no association between 25OHD and HbA1c in newly diagnosed T1DM children (r = 0.164; P > 0.05). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is common in T1DM children, and it should be worthy of attention on the lack of vitamin D in established T1DM children.

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To Supplement or not to Supplement? The Rationale of Vitamin D Supplementation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The Open Rheumatology Journal ◽

10.2174/1874312901812010226 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 226-247 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alessandra Nerviani ◽

Daniele Mauro ◽

Michele Gilio ◽

Rosa Daniela Grembiale ◽

Myles J. Lewis

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Vitamin D Receptors ◽

Vitamin D Levels

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by abnormal activation of the immune system, chronic inflammation and organ damage. Lupus patients are more prone to be vitamin D deficient. However, current evidence is not conclusive with regards to the role played by vitamin D in SLE development, progression, and clinical manifestations. Objective: Here, we will summarise the current knowledge about vitamin D deficiency prevalence, risk factors, molecular effects, and potential pathogenic role in SLE. We will focus on the link between vitamin D deficiency and lupus clinical manifestations, and on the clinical trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation in SLE. Method: A detailed literature search was performed exploiting the available databases, using “vitamin D and lupus/SLE” as keywords. The relevant interventional trials published over the last decade have been considered and the results are reported here. Conclusion: Several immune cells express vitamin D receptors. Thus, an immunomodulatory role for vitamin D in lupus is plausible. Numerous observational studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and clinical/serological manifestations of SLE with contrasting results. Negative correlations between vitamin D levels and disease activity, fatigue, renal and cardiovascular disease, and anti-dsDNA titres have been described but not conclusively accepted. In experimental models of lupus, vitamin D supplementation can improve the disease. Interventional trials have assessed the potential therapeutic value of vitamin D in SLE, but further larger studies are needed.

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Hubungan Paparan Sinar Matahari, Status Gizi, dan Asupan Makan terhadap Kadar Vitamin D Anak dan Remaja Penderita Diabetes Mellitus Tipe 1

Amerta Nutrition ◽

10.20473/amnt.v5i1.2021.41-51 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 41

Author(s):

Inggita Kusumastuty ◽

Dian Handayani ◽

Harjoedi Adji Tjahjono ◽

Elsa Permata Sari ◽

Silvy Kartika Rahayuningtyas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Type 1 Diabetes ◽

Food Intake ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Protein Intake ◽

Sunlight Exposure ◽

Vitamin D Levels

Background: Previous research state the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and Type 1 diabetes. The deficiency of Vitamin D is caused by vitamin D intake, sunlight exposure, or nutritional status. Indonesia, as a tropical country, is close to the equator and receives sunlight all year long. Little research has been done on vitamin D levels in children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Indonesia.Objective: The study aims to determine the relationship among sunlight exposure, nutritional status, food intake, and vitamin D levels in children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes.Methods: The study design was cross-sectional with a sample size of 31 children and adolescents aged 5-19 years. Sunlight exposure data were collected using the Sun Exposure Questionnaire form, nutritional status o BMI/age data were using the WHO Anthro, food intake data were using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questioner, and vitamin D level data were using the ELISA method. Statistical analysis was conducted by using SPSS Version 21 with Pearson and Spearman correlation test.Results: All respondents showed vitamin D deficiency. Most respondents had low sunlight exposure and nutritional status in the normoweight category. The majority of respondents had good energy and protein intake, excess fat, low carbohydrates, and low vitamin D and calcium.Conclusion:There is a positive relationship between sunlight exposure and vitamin D level (p = 0.001, r = 0.627). However, there is no relationship among nutritional status, protein intake, fat, carbohydrates, vitamin D and calcium on the level of vitamin D (p = 0.409; p = 0.240; p = 0.311; p = 0.822; p = 0.231; 0.382).

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Vitamin D levels in children with COVID-19: a report from Turkey

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268821001825 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 149 ◽

Author(s):

Aysegul Alpcan ◽

Serkan Tursun ◽

Yaşar Kandur

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Serum Vitamin ◽

University Hospital ◽

Control Group ◽

Serum Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

Normal Vitamin ◽

The Mean

Abstract Several studies have demonstrated that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with better prognosis and outcomes in infectious diseases. We aimed to compare the vitamin D levels of paediatric patients with mild/moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease and a healthy control group. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were hospitalised at our university hospital with the diagnosis of COVID-19 during the period between 25 May 2020 and 24 December 2020. The mean age of the COVID-19 patients was 10.7 ± 5.5 years (range 1–18 years); 43 (57.3%) COVID-19 patients were male. The mean serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in the COVID-19 group than the control group (21.5 ± 10.0 vs. 28.0 ± 11.0 IU, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group than the control group (44% vs. 17.5%, P < 0.001). Patients with low vitamin D levels were older than the patients with normal vitamin D levels (11.6 ± 4.9 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8 years, P = 0.016). There was a significant male preponderance in the normal vitamin D group compared with the low vitamin D group (91.7% vs. 50.8%, P = 0.03). C-reactive protein level was higher in the low vitamin D group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (9.6 ± 2.2 vs. 4.5 ± 1.6 mg/l, P = 0.074). Our study provides an insight into the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 for future studies. Empiric intervention with vitamin D can be justified by low serum vitamin D levels.

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