In September 2018 researchers from China published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the association between vitamin D deficiency with ante-partum and post-partum depression. Nine studies involving 8,470 women were included in the analysis. Results showed that those individuals with a vitamin D level of under 50 nmol/L was associated with an increased risk of post-partum depression when compared to those with a vitamin D level of over 50 nmol/L. No significant association between low vitamin D levels (30 nmol/L) and depressive symptoms during pregnancy was seen. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of studies.
Wang J et al. Association between vitamin D deficiency and antepartum and postpartum depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2018 Sep 27. [Epub ahead of print]