Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran. & Innovative Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran. , vahidpouresmail@yahoo.fr
Abstract: (18 Views)
Background and Objectives: In colorectal cancer patients experiencing depression and anxiety, vitamin D supplementation may boost mood by rectifying serum 25(OH)D levels. This study assessed the potential for vitamin D to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in colorectal cancer patients with insufficient clinical evidence available. Materials and Methods: In this study,46 colorectal adenocarcinoma patients were included based on specific inclusion criteria. Serum 25(OH)D levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and assessed anxiety and depression using Zung's questionnaire at baseline. Based on the baseline serum 25(OH)D levels, patients were categorized into four groups of < 12 ng/ml, 12–20 ng/ml, 20–30 ng/ml and ≥ 30 ng/ml. A standard dose of vitamin D supplementation was administered based on the study protocol. After 12 w, serum 25(OH)D levels, anxiety and depression were assessed and statistical analyses were carried out. Results: In this clinical trial, 80% of patients (median age, 56.8 y) had inadequate baseline serum 25(OH)D levels (< 30 ng/ml), with 28.3% having depressive symptoms (Zung SDS score > 50) and 37% showing anxiety symptoms (Zung SAS score ≥ 40). The average serum 25(OH)D level increased from 25.4 ng/ml before the intervention to 34.8 ng/ml post-intervention. Significant differences were reported in serum 25(OH)D levels before and after the intervention (p = 0.0001). Additionally, significant decreases were reported in the mean scores for anxiety (p = 0.021) and depression (p = 0.015) after the intervention. Changes in serum 25(OH)D levels were significant and inversely correlated with changes in depression (p = 0.0186) and anxiety (p = 0.0099) scores. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation may significantly improve depression and anxiety symptoms in colorectal adenocarcinoma patients.
In general, 37% of colorectal cancer patients had anxiety scores of 50% or greater before the intervention. Significant differences were reported between the mean scores before and after the intervention.
Moreover, 28.3% of colorectal cancer patients had depression scores greater than 50 before the intervention. Significant difference were seen between the mean scores before and after the intervention.
Changes in serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly correlated with changes in depression and anxiety scores.
Vitamin D supplementation decreased anxiety and depression in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.