Are there any links between blood statuses of vitamin B12, B9, and D with depression in the elderly population living in nursing homes? A descriptive-analytical study from Tehran-Iran
Background: Nutritional deficiency has been suggested as a cause of depression in old age. The present study was performed to evaluate statuses of vitamin B12, Folate (vitamin B9), and vitamin D and their associations with depression among the elderly population living in nursing homes in Tehran-Iran. Methods: One-hundred and seventy subjects from 17 randomly selected nursing homes (NH) (Tehran-Iran) were enrolled in the study. Depression, nutritional statuses, history of chronic diseases, dental health, the levels of exposure to sunlight, the level of satisfaction associated with food quality, and NH staff were evaluated for determining possible relations between depression with vitamin B12, Folate, and vitamin D levels. Results: In the present study Folate and vitamin D deficiencies were found in 96% and 56% of subjects. No correlations were observed between depression with vitamin B12 (P=0.47), Folate (P=0.16) and Vitamin D (P=0.24) levels. Conclusion: The results delineate the high prevalence of vitamin deficiencies among elderly nursing home residents; however, no associations were observed between depression and these nutritional factors. Further studies considering other risk factors and more nutritional micronutrients are suggested.