The effect of vitamin D and probiotic reinforced daily consumption on quality of life, depression, anthropometric measurements and some blood parameters in women 50 years and over

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect daily consumption of vitamin D and probiotic supplemented yogurt on quality of life, depression, anthropometric measurements and some blood parameters in women aged 50 years and older with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Materials and Methods: In this study, women aged 50 years and over who attended a hobby course in Bursa between March and May 2019 were visited in three different situations. Blood samples were collected at the first visit and the study was continued with 150 women with a serum 25(OH)D level of less than 30 ng/mL. Then, questionnaires about general characteristics, quality of life and depression were completed. Anthropometric measurements were measured in accordance with the standards. Later; control group (Group 1), yogurt consuming group (Group 2), yogurt with 5x109 CFU/g probiotic supplement group (Group 3), yogurt with vitamin D group (Group 4), yogurt with vitamin D and probiotic supplement group to be five different working groups were formed. Blood samples were taken again at the third visit in the 12th week of the study and the questionnaires and measurements were performed again at the first visit. Results: Vitamin D insufficiency was found in 21,3% of the women and vitamin D deficiency was found in 78,7% of the women. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of baseline anthropometric measurements, blood findings, quality of life and depression scores (p>0,05). Compared to the women in Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4, it was found that women in Group 5 decreased more the average body weight, higher serum 25(OH)D levels, and depression scores were improved (p<0,05). In addition, it was found that all sub-parameter scores of the quality of life scale of the women in Group 5 were higher than the other groups (p<0,05). Conclusion: In contrast to vitamin D supplementation, probiotic supplementation with vitamin D decreased body weight more; further increases serum 25(OH)D level; and it had a more positive effect on quality of life and depression. Key Words: Vitamin D, Probiotic, Food Fortification