Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Mental Health: An Exploratory Study on A University Students Suffering From Vitamin D Deficiency

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Mental Health: An Exploratory Study on A University Students Suffering From Vitamin D Deficiency

University students are susceptible to psychological burdens such as depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress which might have been linked to vitamin D deficiency. Low serum vitamin D level is well recognized around the world. Vitamin D has been reported to modulate several neurological pathways in the brain that control psychological function. As a result, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the presence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress in university students. The study will include two phases. The first phase is a cross-sectional phase assessing the prevalence vitamin D deficiency in addition to psychological symptoms. The second phase is a randomized controlled clinical trial that aims to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the prevalent psychological symptoms and its impact on the academic performance among university students. The study will look at the relationship between mental health and vitamin D deficiency, as well as how it will affect academic performance of university students.

Inclusion Criteria:

• For phase 1: sample will be selected using convenient sampling method where all students with an age range 18-22 years old fulfilling the eligibility criteria will be educated about the study protocol and will be asked to participate in the study.

For phase 2: students who diagnosed with deficient vitamin D level will be asked to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hypersensitivity to oral vitamin D supplements such as Diviton or Vidrop.

  • Students taking medications affecting vitamin D metabolism such as anti-seizure medications: phenytoin, phenobarbital and carbamazepine, isotretinoin, steroids: dexamethasone, antibiotics: isoniazid and rifampin and antifungals: clotrimazole.
  • Students taking antidepressants, drug for bipolar disorder treatment like lithium and antipsychotic agents like olanzapine.
  • Students with insufficient vitamin D level (20-30 ng/mL).
  • Students with confirmed diagnosis with psychiatric illness.
  • Students with a history of liver disease or dysfunction.
  • Students with a history of kidney disease or dysfunction.