New Study Confirms Vitamin D Does Not Reduce the Risk of Depression in Adults

October 28, 2025

1 min read

Vitamin D is one of the most widely-discussed vitamins: its deficiency is blamed on everything from low immunity to mood swings, and its effectiveness is widely accepted. However, according to a number of studies, claims about the benefits of vitamin D are sometimes overstated.

Key takeaways

Vitamin D is one of the most widely-discussed vitamins: its deficiency is blamed on everything from low immunity to mood swings, and its effectiveness is widely accepted.
A universal vitamin?
Evidence base

Who this is for

People exploring Mental health through depression, stress.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Darya

Writer, Ornament

A universal vitamin?

Vitamin D is sometimes called the "sunshine vitamin" because the body naturally creates it when a person is exposed to the sun. Low blood levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D) were thought to be associated with a high risk of depression in people over 50. But a number of scientists have questioned this and have conducted several large-scale randomized studies to determine the cause-and-effect relationship. The largest was led by Olivia I. Okereke, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital.

Evidence base

More than 18,000 men and women aged 50 and older participated in the study. Half of the participants received vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) for an average of five years, and the other half received a placebo for the same period of time.

The results stunned even the authors of the study. By observing the condition of the participants, the researchers found that the risk of depression or clinically significant depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between those who received active vitamin D3 supplements and those who took the placebo. The subjects did not even show significant differences in mood scores.

"Vitamin D is known to be essential for bone health, but randomized trials have called into question many of the other purported benefits," Okereke says, "so I would reconsider the tendency to prescribe it for any other purpose.

Sources: JAMA (2020). DOI : 10.1001/jama.2020.10224 Journal of the American Medical Association

Continue reading

Mental health#depression

How to Know if You Are Depressed?

According to the WHO, over a quarter billion people all over the world suffer from depression. Anyone can experience its symptoms, which include low mood, anxiety, and reduced energy. Do you think you are one of them? Check out!

Dr. HalinaOct 28, 2025

Mental health#psychology

Psychologist, Psychotherapist, or Psychiatrist: Who To Go to With Problems?

If you are haunted by low energy, stress, and depression, and are struggling to cope with it on your own, it is worth seeking help from a specialist. However, you may not be sure who to consult. What is the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist?

Dr. DennisOct 28, 2025

Bacterial and viral infections#vitamins

B12 and Tuberculosis: How Not To Let the Bacteria Win

Nearly 1.8 billion people worldwide are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, making it one of the world’s deadliest diseases. A team of scientists at Harvard University has discovered a specific mechanism that can be used to help the body defeat TB.

DaryaOct 28, 2025

Anemia#bruise

Bruise for No Reason: A Sign Of..?

Bruises or hematomas occur on the body as a result of a trauma (bruising, impact) and usually do not cause concern. But what if the bruises appear for no apparent reason?

Dr. VladDec 12, 2025

Install Ornament to not only read these articles, but also track your health, store test results, and access other useful features

Install Ornament