Correlates of vitamin D in psychotic disorders: A comprehensive systematic review

Psychiatry Res. 2017 Mar:249:78-85. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.12.052. Epub 2016 Dec 31.

Abstract

People with psychosis have high prevalence of low vitamin D levels but the correlates and relevance of this deficiency are unclear. A systematic search of major databases from inception to 03/2016 was undertaken investigating correlates of vitamin D in people with psychosis. Data was summarised with a best evidence synthesis. Across 23 included studies (n=1770 psychosis, n=8171 controls) a mean difference in vitamin D levels between both groups of -11.14ng/ml±0.59 was found. 53 unique correlations between vitamin D and outcomes in people with psychosis were identified. The evidence base was broadly equivocal although season of blood sampling (67% of studies found a positive correlation with warmer seasons) and parathyroid hormone (100% of studies found a negative correlation) were associated with vitamin D levels. The most commonly non-correlated variables were: BMI (83% found no correlation), age (73%), gender (86%), smoking (100%), duration of illness (100%) and general assessment of functioning score (100%). In conclusion, whilst many unique correlates have been investigated, there is weak and inconclusive evidence regarding the consistency and meaning of the correlates of vitamin D levels in people with psychosis. Future longitudinal studies should consider the correlates of vitamin D in people with psychosis.

Keywords: 25-OHD; 25-hydroxyvitamin D; Hypovitaminosis D; Psychosis; Schizophrenia; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parathyroid Hormone / blood
  • Prevalence
  • Psychotic Disorders / blood*
  • Psychotic Disorders / complications
  • Seasons
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / psychology*

Substances

  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Vitamin D