Low Vitamin D levels may increase risk of depression in the elderly.

Research has shown that lower blood levels of vitamin D have been associated with the increased occurrence of elderly health issues. A new study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (May 2010), followed the vitamin D levels of 531 women and 423 men, over 65 years of age, for a period of 6 years. Participants' depressive symptoms were assessed (using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale-CES-D). Those exhibiting lower blood levels of vitamin D (< 50 nmol/liter) scored significantly higher on the depression scale. The association between blood vitamin D levels and depression was also found to be more observable in women than men. Previous studies have supported the need for vitamin D supplementation for the physical health of the elderly. This study supports the need for vitamin D for their mental health as well.

To read more on this study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20444911