The relationship between vitamin D status and depression in a tactical athlete population

Kelly A Schaad,Daniel I Brooks,Asma S Bukhari,Nicholas D Barringer,Justin D Kocher

doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0308-5

Abstract

BackgroundStressors inherent to the military, such as combat exposure, separation from family, and strenuous training, collectively contribute to compromised psychological resilience and greatly impact military performance.MethodsThis retrospective review of records was conducted to determine whether vitamin D status was associated with diagnoses of depression and if diagnoses differed by geographic location.ResultsDepression (defined using diagnostic codes) was more prevalent in individuals who were diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency (20.4%) than in individuals who were not (4.2%). After adjustment, vitamin D deficient diagnoses remained significantly associated with depression diagnoses (OR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11–1.33, p < 0.001). Furthermore, vitamin D deficient diagnoses were strongly associated with geographic latitude (r2 = 0.92, p = 0.002).ConclusionThese results suggest that service members stationed at installations located at northerly latitudes may be at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency. Furthermore, vitamin D deficient service members may be at higher risk for diagnosis of depression. As a number of military service members avoid reporting symptoms or seeking treatment, vitamin D status may be a useful screening tool to identify service members at risk for depression.

Highlights

Stressors inherent to the military, such as combat exposure, separation from family, and strenuous training, collectively contribute to compromised psychological resilience and greatly impact military performance
Diagnoses of depression were highest for the military treatment facilities (MTFs) located in Killeen, TX, followed by the MTF in Fairbanks, AK, and lowest for the MTF located in Watertown, NY
Diagnoses of vitamin D deficiency were highest for the MTF located in Tacoma, WA, followed by the MTF for Fairbanks, AK, and lowest for the MTF located in Killeen TX

Summary

Introduction

Stressors inherent to the military, such as combat exposure, separation from family, and strenuous training, collectively contribute to compromised psychological resilience and greatly impact military performance. In the United States military, the prevalence of depression is further influenced by unique stressors such as participation in armed conflicts and extended separation from family [2]. It is suggested that service members feel uncomfortable reporting depression and are reluctant to seek medical care due to the belief that treatment will negatively impact their career path [5, 6]. Improved screening methods for mental disorders would ensure that military units maintain sufficient performance levels to quickly deploy in support of a full range of military operations and would assist service members with reintegration following deployment

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