Assessing Effects of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels on Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Background and Objectives: In colorectal cancer patients experiencing depression and anxiety, vitamin D supplementation may boost mood by rectifying serum 25(OH)D levels. This study assessed the potential for vitamin D to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in colorectal cancer patients with insufficient clinical evidence available. Materials and Methods: In this study, 46 colorectal adenocarcinoma patients were included based on specific inclusion criteria. Serum 25(OH)D levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and assessed anxiety and depression using Zung’s questionnaire at baseline. Based on the baseline serum 25(OH)D levels, patients were categorized into four groups of 12 ng/ml, 12–20 ng/ml, 20–30 ng/ml and ≥ 30 ng/ml. A standard dose of vitamin D supplementation was administered based on the study protocol. After 12 w, serum 25(OH)D levels, anxiety and depression were assessed and statistical analyses were carried out. Results: In this clinical trial, 80% of patients (median age, 56.8 y) had inadequate baseline serum 25(OH)D levels ( 30 ng/ml), with 28.3% having depressive symptoms (Zung SDS score 50) and 37% showing anxiety symptoms (Zung SAS score ≥ 40). The average serum 25(OH)D level increased from 25.4 ng/ml before the intervention to 34.8 ng/ml post-intervention. Significant differences were reported in serum 25(OH)D levels before and after the intervention (p = 0.0001). Additionally, significant decreases were reported in the mean scores for anxiety (p = 0.021) and depression (p = 0.015) after the intervention. Changes in serum 25(OH)D levels were significant and inversely correlated with changes in depression (p = 0.0186) and anxiety (p = 0.0099) scores. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation may significantly improve depression and anxiety symptoms in colorectal adenocarcinoma patients.