Are there any links between blood statuses of vitamin B12, B9, and D with depression in the elderly population living in nursing homes? A descriptive-analytical study from Tehran-Iran
1 Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Nutritional Science and Dietetic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
4 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5 Psychiatry Research Center, Rozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Ira.
6 Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Public Health, Tehran, Iran.
7 Breastfeeding Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2021, 11(03), 152–159
Publication history:
Received on 08 August 2021; revised on 11 September 2021; accepted on 13 September 2021
Abstract:
Background: Nutritional deficiency has been suggested as a cause of depression in old age. The present study was performed to evaluate statuses of vitamin B12, Folate (vitamin B9), and vitamin D and their associations with depression among the elderly population living in nursing homes in Tehran-Iran.
Methods: One-hundred and seventy subjects from 17 randomly selected nursing homes (NH) (Tehran-Iran) were enrolled in the study. Depression, nutritional statuses, history of chronic diseases, dental health, the levels of exposure to sunlight, the level of satisfaction associated with food quality, and NH staff were evaluated for determining possible relations between depression with vitamin B12, Folate, and vitamin D levels.
Results: In the present study Folate and vitamin D deficiencies were found in 96% and 56% of subjects. No correlations were observed between depression with vitamin B12 (P=0.47), Folate (P=0.16) and Vitamin D (P=0.24) levels.
Conclusion: The results delineate the high prevalence of vitamin deficiencies among elderly nursing home residents; however, no associations were observed between depression and these nutritional factors. Further studies considering other risk factors and more nutritional micronutrients are suggested.
Keywords:
Vitamin B12; Folate; Vitamin D; Depression; Elderly; Nursing Homes
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