Decreased Levels of Vitamin D in Bipolar Patients.

Recently, vitamin D is considered a pleiotropic hormone, and as such, it has also become a topic of renewed interest in neuropsychiatry for its proposed role in the aetiology and pathophysiology of different psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders (MDs). This seems particularly crucial while considering the relatively high and often neglected prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the general population and in specific groups, such as patients suffering from the most common type of MDs, which are major depression (MDD) and bipolar disorders (BDs). Therefore, in view of the controversial literature and findings on this topic and its potential therapeutic implications, the present study aimed at evaluating vitamin D levels in the plasma of a sample of inpatients fulfilling the DSM-5 criteria for mood episodes within BDs. The clinical picture was assessed by means of specific rating scales. The results showed that the vitamin D levels (mean ± SD, nM/L) of the bipolar patients of our sample were significantly lower (14.58 ± 11.27 nmol/L) than the normative values (>30 nmol/L). Eleven patients had sufficient values and only 4 had optimal, while 19 showed insufficient, 18 critical, and 17 severely critical levels. No differences emerged according to different socio-demographic or clinical features. In our opinion, the present findings strengthen previous research highlighting decreased vitamin D levels in bipolar patients and support the role of this pleiotropic hormone in BDs. Nevertheless, further studies should follow to corroborate the data of this preliminary study and to address the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of MDs.

Vitamin B12, homocysteine, and folic acid in patients suffering from bipolar disorders: Relationship with suicide.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine play a key role in 'one-carbon metabolism', involved in different brain processes. Altered levels have been reported in mood disorders (MDs), particularly in major depression (MDD), while the information in bipolar disorders (BDs) is limited. The present study aimed at assessing vitamin B12, homocysteine, and folic acid in 69 bipolar inpatients. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed with BDI, 15 BDII, 16 schizoaffective disorders, and 11 MDD, according to DSM-5 criteria. The clinical picture was assessed by the MINI, HRSD, YMRS, and CGI. The blood parameters were measured according to common clinical-chemical methods. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients had significantly lower vitamin B12, and 14 higher homocysteine levels than normative values. Folic acid levels were normal in the majority of the sample. Patients with a family history of suicide showed significantly lower levels of vitamin B12. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underline the utility of assessing vitamin B12, homocysteine, and folic acid in patients with BD. Although other studies are necessary, the present findings that lower levels of vitamin B12 seem typical of patients with a family history of suicide independently from the phase of illness suggest that they might constitute a possible predictor of suicide.