Vitamin K Deficiency Closely Linked to Depression and Suicide Risk: Study
A recent research published in the Journal of Inflammation Research uncovered a potential link between low levels of vitamin K and increased risk of depression and suicidal behavior. Despite the limited epidemiological studies in this area, this new study highlighted strong evidence which suggests vitamin K deficiency could be a significant biological risk factor for these mental health issues.
This retrospective cross-sectional analysis involved a total of 295 participants and divided into two groups, where 146 individuals had a history of suicide attempts and 149 individuals had no history of suicide attempts. This research measured various biological markers, including thyroid hormones, lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines and vitamins to explore the potential associations with depression and suicidal behavior.
The results found that the participants who had attempted suicide expressed markedly lower levels of FT4 (free thyroxine), total cholesterol (TC), vitamin D and vitamin K. Also, these individuals showed increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) which indicates inflammation.
Among the different variables examined, vitamin K emerged as a strong predictor of suicidal behavior in depressed patients. The research reported a sensitivity of 0.842 and a specificity of 0.715 for vitamin K levels in diagnosing the suicidal attempts among the depressed individuals. This means that vitamin K levels were accurate in identifying the individuals at risk for suicidal behavior in over 80% of cases.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.