Vitamin D fails to improve mental health in early psychosis: DFEND trial

UK: Results from a recent study suggest that vitamin D does not improve 6-month mental or physical health outcomes in patients with early psychosis. However, the researchers suggest that public health strategies, while developing population-wide interventions, should consider the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in this study population. The study was published in the JAMA Network Open on December 28, 2021.

Patients with psychotic disorders are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. This is evident during first-episode psychosis (FEP) and is related to unfavorable mental and physical health outcomes. Fiona Gaughran, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK, and colleagues aimed to examine whether vitamin D supplementation contributes to improved clinical outcomes in FEP in the DFEND --a multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomized clinical trial from the UK.

The trial examined adults aged 18 to 65 years of age within 3 years of a first presentation with a functional psychotic disorder who had no contraindication to vitamin D supplementation. 2136 were assessed for eligibility, 835 were approached, 686 declined participation or were excluded. 149 were randomized (monthly augmentation with 120 000 IU of cholecalciferol or placebo) and 104 were followed at 6 months. The participants were recruited from January 19, 2016, to June 14, 2019, and the final follow-up (after the last dose) was completed on December 20, 2019. 

The study recruited participants from January 19, 2016, to June 14, 2019, with the final follow-up (after the last dose) completed on December 20, 2019. 

The primary outcome was the total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score at 6 months.

Secondary outcomes included total PANSS score at 3 months; PANSS positive, negative, and general psychopathology subscale scores at 3 and 6 months; Calgary Depression Scale score, waist circumference, body mass index, and glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and vitamin D concentrations at 6 months; Global Assessment of Function scores (for symptoms and disability; and planned sensitivity analysis in those with insufficient vitamin D levels at baseline. 

"The results showed no association between vitamin D supplementation and mental health or metabolic outcomes at 6 months," wrote the authors."This suggests that the group would benefit from active consideration in future population health strategies as few patients with FEP were vitamin D replete."

Reference:

Gaughran F, Stringer D, Wojewodka G, et al. Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Outcomes in People With Early Psychosis: The DFEND Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(12):e2140858. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.40858.