Vitamin D and Calcium: A Systematic Review of Health Outcomes
Chung M, Lee J, Terasawa T, Lau J, Trikalinos TA
Published in Annals of Internal Medicine
Abstract
Comprehensive evidence report examining vitamin D and calcium effects on bone health and other health outcomes.
Methodology
Systematic review of randomised trials and observational studies commissioned to inform the Institute of Medicine dietary reference intakes.
Key Findings
This AHRQ-derived evidence review found that vitamin D combined with calcium modestly reduces fracture risk in institutionalised older adults, while evidence for vitamin D alone and for non-skeletal outcomes (cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune function) was inconsistent and largely inconclusive. Serum 25(OH)D thresholds for these outcomes could not be established.
Conclusions
The defensible benefit of vitamin D is skeletal and depends on adequate calcium co-intake; claims for wide-ranging non-skeletal benefits were not supported by the trial evidence available.
Limitations
Heterogeneous trial populations, doses and baseline vitamin D status; many included studies were underpowered for hard endpoints; evidence base has since been supplemented by large trials such as VITAL.
Supplements Studied
This AHRQ-derived evidence review found that vitamin D combined with calcium modestly reduces fracture risk in institutionalised older adults, while evidence for vitamin D alone and for non-skeletal outcomes (cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune function) was inconsistent and largely inconclusive. Serum 25(OH)D thresholds for these outcomes could not be established.
This AHRQ-derived evidence review found that vitamin D combined with calcium modestly reduces fracture risk in institutionalised older adults, while evidence for vitamin D alone and for non-skeletal outcomes (cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune function) was inconsistent and largely inconclusive. Serum 25(OH)D thresholds for these outcomes could not be established.
Outcomes Measured
This AHRQ-derived evidence review found that vitamin D combined with calcium modestly reduces fracture risk in institutionalised older adults, while evidence for vitamin D alone and for non-skeletal outcomes (cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune function) was inconsistent and largely inconclusive. Serum 25(OH)D thresholds for these outcomes could not be established.
Evidence supports vitamin D supplementation for improving bone mineral density and reducing fracture risk, particularly when combined with adequate calcium intake.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US federal funding)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.