Gender specific correlation of vitamin D & B12 Deficiencies with depressive symptoms in Young Adults

Abstract

Deficiencies in vitamin D and B12 have become significant, modifiable risk factors for depression, particularly in young people. This study analysed the association between depressed symptoms and blood levels of vitamin D and vitamin B12 in 100 participants, ages 18 to 25, who were selected from BBAU and a Lucknow community health centre. The Beck Depression Inventory scale (BDI) is used to assess depression, while biochemical tests were used to determine vitamin levels. SPSS was used for demographic profiling, correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics. Higher depressed symptoms were associated with lower vitamin levels, according to the results, which also showed a strong negative link between vitamin D (r = -.755, p <.001), vitamin B12 (r = -.749, p <.001), and BDI scores. Additionally, there was a significant positive association (r =.906, p <.001) between vitamin D and B12 levels. Depression and vitamin levels did not significantly correlate with gender. These results underline the potential of nutritional methods and protective screening to treat depression symptoms and show that micronutrient deficiencies may be a significant factor in young people' mental health.