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Vitamin D supplements do not improve bone mineral density and prevent fractures and falls in adults, according to a large-scale study that recommends that health professionals no longer recommend these supplements for most patients.
Vitamin has long been associated with a decreased risk of developing a number of conditions, such as osteoporosis and hypertension, in addition to strengthening the bones by helping the body absorb calcium. – that is why many of them use it during the dark winter months.
But the authors of the study say that there is "little justification" to do so in bone health.
"Our meta-analysis reveals that vitamin D does not prevent fractures, falls, or the improvement of bone mineral density, at high or low dose," said Dr. Mark J. Bolland, associate professor at University of Auckland in New Zealand, said in a report.
The results add to previous research suggesting that vitamin D supplements do not prevent the disease for the majority.
The research, published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, analyzed data from 81 randomized controlled trials – involving more than 53,000 people – to determine if the over-the-counter supplement helped fractures, falls, and bone density. Most studies included women over 65 years old.
The team concluded that vitamin D does not prevent fractures or falls, or have a significant effect on bone mineral density, and there is little justification for taking them to "maintain or improve muscle health". "skeletal", adding that there was no need for further testing. to explore that.
But research also finds that the supplement is helpful in preventing rare conditions such as rickets and osteomalacia in high-risk groups, which can occur after a prolonged absence from sun exposure, resulting in deficiency.
Not a panacea
Bolland suggests that doctors and health officials currently recommend this vitamin to elderly patients to prevent osteoporosis or fragility of the bones. "The clinical guidelines need to be changed to reflect these results," he said.
In a related commentary article, J. Chris Gallagher of Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, said: "The background to this analysis is that many patients (and doctors) have been persuaded by various studies and social media that vitamin D is a panacea. "
"This reflection is reminiscent of the fervor that drove the widespread use of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E many years ago, and all of these vitamin trials have been clinically negative later. "
The suggested beneficial effects on extra-skeletal health include cancer and heart disease, which, according to previous research, are inconclusive.
Debate in progress
Critics of the Lancet study noted that only 6% of the trials had been conducted in populations with vitamin D deficiency, who would benefit the most from the supplementation.
"We know from meta-analyzes that have been successful in obtaining individual data from participants that the health benefits of vitamin D supplementation tend to be highest among people with the lowest vitamin D levels. initially, "said Adrian Martineau, Clinical Professor of Respiratory Science. infection and immunity at Queen Mary University in London.
Others point out that some meta-analysis trials have a small number of participants and a short duration of treatment.
"The report included all available vitamin D trials, but these trials included too few participants, used an insufficient dose of vitamin D, and did not last long enough," said Dr. Robert Clarke, professor of epidemiology. and public health at the University of Oxford.
"As a result, the study has not been able to reliably test the effects of vitamin D on the risk of hip fracture, so it is too early to suggest to do so. changes to vitamin D health recommendations for bone health based on this study, "he said.
The pros and cons of vitamin D supplements have long been the subject of debate, with some worrying consequences if people with disabilities stop taking them.
Vitamin D is found in a variety of foods. Fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, cod and mackerel, all contain high levels. Other foods, such as milk and orange juice, can be fortified.
In a previous report, Dr. Clifford Rosen, professor of medicine at the Tufts University School of Medicine and senior researcher at the Maine Medical Center, told CNN that it was generally best to take vitamin D from the sun and food rather than supplements.
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