Exploring the relationship between vitamin D and basic personality traits.
Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2011 Jan 29.
Ubbenhorst A, Striebich S, Lang F, Lang UE.
Department of Physiology, University of Tuebingen, Gmelinstr. 5, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
RATIONALE: Several studies suggest an association between hypovitaminosis D and basic and executive cognitive functions, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. A recent study confirms neophobic responses in vitamin D receptor mutant mice. We explored whether the plasma levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)), the active form of vitamin D, are correlated with basic personality traits.
METHODS: A total of 206 healthy unrelated volunteers (108 male, 98 female, age 31?±?13 years) completed the German version of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), which allows reliable and valid assessment of personality along the dimensions neuroticism, extraversion, openness to new experiences, agreeableness and conscientiousness.
RESULTS: We found a significant correlation between 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) concentration and the factor extraversion (n?=?206, r?=?0.202, p?=?0.004) and the factor openness (n?=?206, r?=?0.148, p?=?0.034).
CONCLUSION: The possible mechanisms by which 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) acts on the brain might include Ca(2+) signaling, buffering antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory defenses against vascular injury, stimulating neurotrophins and improving metabolic and cardiovascular function. In conclusion, we suggest that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) might influence personality traits, promoting extrovert and open behavior.