A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Level of Antioxidant Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) in Diagnosed Patients of Depression at Tertiary Care Hospital of Central India

Abstract

Background: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects biomolecules from oxidative stress and damage. Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by low mood, loss of interest, and diminished energy. The role of oxidative stress in depression remains unclear, with conflicting findings in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of vitamin C in patients with depression compared to healthy individuals and to assess its correlation with depression severity.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study involves 55 newly diagnosed drug-naive patients with depression and 55 healthy controls. Serum vitamin C levels were measured and compared. The severity of depression was assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).

Results: The mean serum vitamin C levels were significantly lower in depressed patients (0.1569 ± 0.12 mg/dl) compared to healthy controls (1.4629 ± 0.93 mg/dl) (P = 0.00). A significant inverse correlation was observed between depression severity and serum vitamin C levels, with the lowest levels found in patients with severe depression.

Conclusion: Vitamin C deficiency is more pronounced in patients with depression, particularly in severe cases. The findings suggest that vitamin C may play a role in the pathophysiology of depression and that supplementation could be beneficial in managing the disease.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD); depression; oxidative stress; serum levels; vitamin C.