Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of aggregate data from randomised controlled trials
Jolliffe DA, Camargo CA, Sluyter JD, Aglipay M
Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of aggregate data from 46 double-blind randomised controlled trials of vitamin D versus placebo for acute respiratory infection prevention
Key Findings
61.3% of vitamin D recipients versus 62.3% of placebo recipients had at least one acute respiratory infection (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.99); protection was seen with daily 400-1000 IU for up to 12 months.
Conclusions
Vitamin D supplementation was safe and reduced acute respiratory infection risk, but the absolute risk reduction was small.
Limitations
Significant heterogeneity across trials, benefit confined to certain dosing regimens and age groups, most trials not designed around cold-specific endpoints.
Supplements Studied
Protection was associated with administration of daily doses of 400-1000 IU for up to 12 months, and age at enrolment of 1.00-15.99 years.
Outcomes Measured
A significantly lower proportion of participants in the vitamin D supplementation group had one or more ARIs ... with an OR of 0.92 (95% CI 0.86-0.99; 37 studies)
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
None declared
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.