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Effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Summary

This systematic review demonstrates that vitamin D supplementation does not have a significant effect on muscle strength in vitamin D replete adults. However, a limited number of studies demonstrate an increase in proximal muscle strength in adults with vitamin D deficiency.

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the evidence on the effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength in adults.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic database search was performed. Inclusion criteria included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving adult human participants. All forms and doses of vitamin D supplementation with or without calcium supplementation were included compared with placebo or standard care. Outcome measures included evaluation of strength. Outcomes were compared by calculating standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Of 52 identified studies, 17 RCTs involving 5,072 participants met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed no significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on grip strength (SMD −0.02, 95%CI −0.15,0.11) or proximal lower limb strength (SMD 0.1, 95%CI −0.01,0.22) in adults with 25(OH)D levels >25 nmol/L. Pooled data from two studies in vitamin D deficient participants (25(OH)D <25 nmol/L) demonstrated a large effect of vitamin D supplementation on hip muscle strength (SMD 3.52, 95%CI 2.18, 4.85).

Conclusion

Based on studies included in this systematic review, vitamin D supplementation does not have a significant effect on muscle strength in adults with baseline 25(OH)D >25 nmol/L. However, a limited number of studies demonstrate an increase in proximal muscle strength in adults with vitamin D deficiency.

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Correspondence to K. A. Stockton.

Appendix 1—search strategy

Appendix 1—search strategy

The databases, searched with language restrictions (English only) included: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Pubmed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Sportdiscus, Scopus and Full text clinicians’ health journals @ Ovid from the earliest time to May 2010.

Database*

1. Muscle

725,556

2. Vitamin D

46,203

3. Vitamin D2

3,330

4. Vitamin D3

21,590

5. 1-alpha hydroxyvitamin D3

924

6. 1-alpha hydroxycalciferol

6

7. 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3

15,436

8. 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol

14,828

9. 25 hydroxycholecalciferol

2,901

10. 25 hydroxyvitamin D

3,660

11. Calcitriol

14,347

12. Ergocalciferol

2,791

13. Cholecalciferol

19,270

14. Calcifediol

2,319

15. Alfacalcidiol

871

16. Calcidiol

2,438

17. Calciferol

2,931

18. 2 to 17 “OR”

48,722

19. 1. “AND” 18

1,611

20. 19 limits RCT, clinical trial, meta-analysis, review

315

21. eliminate review

53

22. 21 “AND” English

51

*Medline

Search format repeated for Cinahl, Sportdiscus, Cochrane library, Pubmed and Embase.

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Stockton, K.A., Mengersen, K., Paratz, J.D. et al. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int 22, 859–871 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-010-1407-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-010-1407-y

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