Neonates born in the winter and those with hypovitaminosis D levels exhibit a higher propensity to develop schizophrenia. Several reports have suggested that adult schizophrenics have lower vitamin D levels.

This study was done to evaluate the presence of hypovitaminosis D in institutionalized schizophrenics.

To compare vitamin D levels in institutionalized patients with schizophrenia.

We retrospectively reviewed the vitamin D results on all schizophrenic patients seen in our office during a period of six months. Vitamin D was measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood and reported as ng/ml. The levels were recorded and classified as follows: more than 30 ng/ml: normal; 21 to 30 ng/ml: mild deficiency; 11 to 20 ng/mL: moderate deficiency; 10 ng/ml or less: severe deficiency.

Total of 83 patients, 63 had vitamin D levels measured. 46 (73%) had low Vitamin D levels, while 17 (27%) had normal vitamin D levels. Of the 26 females, 20 (77%) had low vitamin d levels and of the 37 males, 26 (70%) had low vitamin D levels. 10 of the 63 had severe deficiency, 22 of the 63 had moderate deficiency while 14 of the 63 had mild deficiency. No difference was noted between the males and females.

It is estimated that as much as 60% of the adult US population suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Our population of institutionalized schizophrenia patients had a 73% incidence of hypovitaminosis D. It may contribute to the higher morbidity and mortality noted in this population.