Impact of sun exposure protective behaviors on the association between vitamin D and depression

Depression is a serious mental illness, with an estimated prevalence of 6.7% of American adults according to the 2001-2003 National Comorbidity Survey Replication35. Recent studies indicate that there may be a link between insufficient vitamin D and depression. Because the primary source of vitamin D is synthesis in the skin via exposure to ultraviolet light, sun protection behaviors such as sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure may limit vitamin D synthesis. This study uses 3,367 individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore whether compliance with recommended sun protection behaviors is associated with lower serum vitamin D, and whether lower vitamin D is associated with depression.