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Archives of Osteoporosis

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01-12-2013 | Original Article

Vitamin D homeostasis, bone mineral metabolism, and seasonal affective disorder during 1 year of Antarctic residence

Authors: M. Premkumar, T. Sable, D. Dhanwal, R. Dewan

Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis | Issue 1-2/2013

Abstract

Summary

Low serum vitamin D and increased parathormone levels were found to be associated with depression and stress in a wintering expedition of 20 healthy male subjects over a period of 1 year in Antarctica. The continuous daylight during summer and the dark polar winter affect endogenous vitamin D production. Long-term effects on bone health need to be studied further.

Purpose

Vitamin D plays a significant role in calcium and bone mineral metabolism and also affects cardiovascular, psychological, and cognitive functions. The ultraviolet B radiation component of sunlight, which shows marked seasonal variation in Antarctica, influences the synthesis of vitamin D. Depression and mood disorders are associated with this extreme photoperiod. In this study, we attempted to gauge the alteration of vitamin D homeostasis in Antarctica and its effect on bone mineral metabolism and mood over a period of 1 year.

Materials and methods

Twenty male subjects who wintered over at India’s Antarctic base Maitri (70°45′57″ S, 11°44′09″ E) from November 2010 to December 2011 were studied. Fasting serum samples were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphate. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS X), and Perceived Stress Scale were used to measure depression, affect, and stress.

Results

Mild vitamin D deficiency was present in two (10 %) subjects on arrival, which increased to seven (35 %) subjects during the polar winter at 6 months. The mean score on the BDI-II screen for depression was significantly higher during midwinter (4.8 ± 3.9) when compared with the baseline value (2.9 ± 2.1). Only 2/20 (10 %) of subjects met the criteria for minor depression. Higher PTH levels at 6 months correlated with a higher PANAS X score (p = 0.021). The mean values of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and ALP were comparable during the course of the expedition.

Conclusion

Low light exposure during the dark polar winter, lower vitamin D, and increased intact PTH levels were found to be associated with depression during 1 year of Antarctic residence. The low dietary intake and decreased solar radiation exposure during the polar winter reduce serum vitamin D levels in otherwise healthy individuals, which suggests that supplementation may be necessary.

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Premkumar M, Sable T, Dhanwal D, Dewan R (2013) Circadian levels of serum melatonin and cortisol in relation to changes in mood sleep, and neurocognitive performance, spanning a year of residence in Antarctica. Neurosci J 2013. doi:10.1155/2013/254090, Article ID 254090, 10 pages

Title: Vitamin D homeostasis, bone mineral metabolism, and seasonal affective disorder during 1 year of Antarctic residence
Authors: M. Premkumar
T. Sable
D. Dhanwal
R. Dewan
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis / Issue 1-2/2013
Print ISSN: 1862-3522
Electronic ISSN: 1862-3514
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-013-0129-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Vitamin D homeostasis, bone mineral metabolism, and seasonal affective disorder during 1 year of Antarctic residence

Abstract

Summary

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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