Effects of Vitamin D on the health and behavior of prisoners

Open Controlled Trial to Explore the Effectiveness of Vitamin D Supplements on the Behaviours, Mental, and Physical Health of United Kingdom Prison Residents

Not applicable Interventional Oxford Brookes University · NCT05724316

This study is testing if taking vitamin D supplements can help improve the mental and physical health of male prisoners in the UK.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorOxford Brookes University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Henley-on-Thames)
Trial IDNCT05724316 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how vitamin D supplementation impacts the mental and physical health of male prisoners in the UK. Participants will be divided into two groups: those who choose to take vitamin D supplements and those who do not. The study will measure various health outcomes, including bone density, anxiety, and depression levels, through blood tests and questionnaires. Additionally, dietary intake will be monitored to assess nutritional quality. The aim is to determine if vitamin D can improve overall well-being and behavior in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are long-term male prisoners aged 21 and older who have been residents for at least three months and understand English.

Not a fit: Patients who are short-term residents, have conditions affecting nutrient absorption, or are already taking active forms of vitamin D may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved mental health and physical well-being for prisoners through vitamin D supplementation.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on prisoners, studies on vitamin D supplementation in other populations have shown promising results for mental and physical health improvements.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Long-term Residents (with minimum 1 year)
* Biological Male adults (+18)
* Have been residents for minimum of 3 months
* Understanding of the English language

Exclusion Criteria:

* Short term Residents (\<1 year), residents at end of their sentence
* Residents with conditions impacting nutrient absorption i.e. Crohn's disease/celiac disease
* Residents already taking calcitriol (an active form of VD)
* Any medical condition that would preclude a participant from taking VD supplements
* Any medical condition which could interfere with VD metabolism

Where this trial is running

Henley-on-Thames

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mental WellbeingDepression, AnxietyBone Density, LowVitamin D DeficiencyBehaviorAnxietyDepressionBehaviour
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.