Vitamin D for Tendon Strength
Vitamin D deficiency associates with tendon problems, with limited interventional evidence.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 1000-2000 IU/day if deficient
- Expected timeframe
- 12 weeks
Protocol
- form
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with a fat-containing meal, if taken for general adequacy
- duration
- Not applicable
- co factor
- Evidence is insufficient. Observational studies report lower 25(OH)D in people with rotator cuff tears and in some tendinopathy cohorts, and vitamin D receptors are present in tenocytes with some in vitro effects on collagen expression, so a rationale exists. No randomised trial has measured tendon mechanical properties, tendinopathy symptoms, VISA-A or VISA-P scores, or tendon healing after vitamin D supplementation. The connective tissue supplement with actual pre-loading trial evidence is vitamin C combined with gelatin or hydrolysed collagen, not vitamin D.
- titration
- Not applicable for this outcome; 4,000 IU/day is the tolerable upper intake level
- starting dose
- Not established. No trial has tested vitamin D for tendon strength or tendinopathy outcomes
Evidence
What the studies say
No studies are yet linked to both Vitamin D and Tendon Strength.
Safety
Caveats
Correct deficiency for general musculoskeletal health rather than as tendon therapy.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.