Background/Aims: Depression and anxiety are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). An association between vitamin D deficiency and mood disorders or inflammation has been previously reported in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between 25 hydroxy-Vitamin D (25OHVD) status, anxiety and depression and inflammation in women with (n=50) and without (n=23) PCOS.
Methods: Cross-sectional study in overweight or obese premenopausal women with (n=50) and without (n=23) PCOS. Primary outcome measures were 25OHVD, mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression questionnaire) and inflammation (highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP)). Results were analysed by multiple linear regression.
Results: Vitamin D deficiency (25OHVD<50 nmol/L) (46% versus 39%, p=0.311) and 25OHVD (50.4±22.2 nmol/L versus 51.6±19.0 nmol/L, p=0.828) were not significantly different in women with and without PCOS. For all women combined, 25OHVD was the only significant independent predictor of depression (β=-0.063±0.021, p=0.005) and hsCRP (β=-0.041±0.015, p=0.010).
Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is common and vitamin D is independently associated with depression and inflammation in overweight women with and without PCOS. Further investigation to clarify the interrelationship between vitamin D, inflammation and depression is required to identify optimal prevention and treatment strategies for psychological and metabolic dysfunction in PCOS.
Funding sources: Diabetes Australia Research Trust, Jean Hailes Foundation.LM is supported by a SACVRDP Fellowship; a program collaboratively funded by the NHF, the South Australian Department of Health and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. HT holds an NHMRC Practitioner fellowship.