Association Between Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression

Objective: To evaluate evidence regarding 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OD)D) levels during pregnancy and its association with postpartum depression (PPD). Data Sources: Primary literature was accessed through MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts searches through January 2015. Data from published trials were retrieved for analysis using the following search terms: vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D, postpartum, pregnancy, and depression. Data Extraction: Inclusion criteria were human subjects, English language, vitamin D as the sole micronutrient under study, and measurement of vitamin D level during pregnancy. Studies measuring vitamin D levels after delivery were excluded. Also any antenatal or prepartum depression was excluded. Data Synthesis: Although a variety factors may contribute to the likelihood and severity of PPD, there are 3 published prospective cohort studies specifically evaluating the relationship between vitamin D and PPD. The results are conflicting: 2 of these studies found a significant correlation between patients with low vitamin D level and PPD, but the third found that high vitamin D levels are associated with a greater incidence of PPD. Conclusion: Available evidence suggests a possible correlation between vitamin D levels at midpregnancy and PPD. Women with risk factors for PPD should be educated on this potential association and ways to maintain normal vitamin D levels. Further study is needed to determine the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in preventing PPD.