Vitamin D supplementation for patients with depression

Follow-up Study With Randomized Clinical Vitamin D Supplementation Trial on Patients With Depression (DepFuD)

Not applicable Interventional Kuopio University Hospital · NCT02521012

This study is testing whether taking vitamin D for six months can help adults with depression feel better and improve their overall recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3028 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorKuopio University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kuopio)
Trial IDNCT02521012 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a six-month vitamin D supplementation on patients with non-psychotic, unipolar depression. It aims to clarify how vitamin D levels influence treatment response and recovery, while also exploring biological pathways related to depression. The trial will involve a double-blinded randomized controlled design, recruiting 3028 patients aged 18-65 who are seeking treatment for depression. The study will also examine bio-psychosocial factors that may contribute to recovery and working ability in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with mild to severe non-psychotic unipolar depression seeking treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, psychotic depression, or other conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel treatment option for improving outcomes in patients with depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested a positive correlation between vitamin D levels and treatment outcomes in depression, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients referred to the recruitment sites for treatment for depression
* mild, moderate or severe depression,
* mild, moderate or severe episode of recurrent depression

Exclusion Criteria:

* bipolar or psychotic depression
* psychotic disorder
* severe substance abuse
* disabilities in senses that affect functioning and severely threat completing the trial
* diseases that affect vitamin D metabolism (such as sarcoidosis, hypercalcemia, hypofunction of kidney)
* pregnancy or lactation
* current use of high dose vitamin D supplementation
* current use of high dose calcium supplementation

Where this trial is running

Kuopio

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 DepressionDepressive DisorderDepressive symptomsVitamin DIntervention
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.