A Meta-Analysis of High Dose, Intermittent Vitamin D Supplementation among Older Adults
Ya Ting Zheng,
PLOS One January 20, 2015DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115850
Affiliation: College of Humanities and Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
⨯ Qi Qi Cui, Affiliation: College of Humanities and Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
⨯ Yi Min Hong, Affiliation: College of Humanities and Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
⨯ Wei Guang Yao , * E-mail: yaoweiguang2014 at yeah.net
Affiliation: College of Humanities and Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
Background: The effects of intermittent, high dose vitamin D treatment in older adults have not been documented. We conducted a meta-analysis to provide a quantitative assessment of the efficiency of intermittent, high dose vitamin D treatment on falls, fractures, and mortality among older adults.
Methods: Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on high dose, intermittent vitamin D supplementation among older adults. Two researchers independently screened the literature according to specified inclusive and exclusive criteria to extract the data. Meta-analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.1.0 software.
Results: Nine trials were included in this meta-analysis. High dose, intermittent vitamin D therapy did not decrease all-cause mortality among older adults. The risk ratio (95% CI) was 1.04 (0.91–1.17). No benefit was seen in fracture or fall prevention. The risk ratio for hip fractures (95% CI) was 1.17 (0.97–1.41) while for non-vertebral fractures (95% CI) it was 1.06 (0.91–1.22), and the risk ratio for falls (95% CI) was 1.02 (0.96–1.08). Results remained robust after sensitivity analysis.
Conclusion: Supplementation of intermittent, high dose vitamin D may not be effective in preventing overall mortality, fractures, or falls among older adults. The route of administration of vitamin D supplements may well change the physiological effects.
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See also VitaminDWiki
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similar conclusion to the meta-analysis - Vitamin D prevents falls – majority of meta-analyses conclude – meta-meta analysis Feb 2015