Research published in Clinical Rheumatology (July 19, 2006) examined the relationship between vitamin D status and mood symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. The study included 75 individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Participants completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire along with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Blood samples were also collected to assess serum vitamin D levels. Of the 75 patients, 23 had normal vitamin D levels, 42 had insufficient levels, and 10 were classified as vitamin D deficient.
Patients who were deficient in vitamin D scored significantly higher on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale compared with those who had normal or insufficient vitamin D levels. Those with insufficient—but not deficient—levels did not show the same degree of mood disturbance.
The researchers concluded that low vitamin D levels were associated with fibromyalgia and that the anxiety and depression commonly experienced by these patients may be linked, at least in part, to vitamin D deficiency. As an observational study, the findings do not establish causation but suggest that vitamin D status may be a relevant factor in the symptom profile of fibromyalgia.
