Vitamin D and psychosis: mini meta-analysis

Abstract

Individuals with psychotic disorders are more likely to have vitamin D (VD) deficiency, while evidence suggests VD could have pathophysiological roles. We summarized meta-analytically the available evidence on VD levels in psychotic disorders in comparison with healthy controls and other psychiatric illnesses. We found seven studies, all reporting insufficient VD levels in patients with psychosis. Schizophrenia had a medium effect size for lower VD than healthy controls, and a trend for lower levels than other psychoses. There were non-significant differences between schizophrenia and major depression. No study has investigated the potential psychotropic effects of VD supplementation in patients with psychosis.

Keywords: Psychosis; Schizophrenia; Vitamin D.