Effect of vitamin D supplementation alone or with calcium on adiposity measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Nutr Rev. 2015 Sep;73(9):577-93. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuv012. Epub 2015 Jul 14.

Abstract

Context: The independent or interactive effects of vitamin D and calcium on adiposity remain inconclusive.

Objective: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess whether vitamin D and calcium supplements cause changes in adiposity.

Data sources: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for literature published from 1966 to March 2014.

Study selection: A systematic search was conducted for randomized clinical trials with ≥ 50 participants aged ≥ 18 years at baseline who had received at least 12 weeks of treatment. Among the inclusion criteria were supplementation with vitamin D with or without calcium and measurement of adiposity (weight, body mass index [BMI], and/or fat mass).

Data extraction: The primary endpoints assessed were changes in weight, BMI, or fat mass.

Data synthesis: Of 953 trials identified, 26 randomized clinical trials (n = 12, vitamin D alone; n = 10, vitamin D plus calcium versus calcium control; n = 4, vitamin D plus calcium versus placebo) with a total of 42,430 participants (median duration, 12 months) met the inclusion criteria. When compared with placebo, vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on BMI (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.06 kg/m(2); 95% confidence interval [95%CI], -0.14 to 0.03), weight (WMD, -0.05 kg; 95%CI, -0.32 to 0.23), or fat mass (WMD, -0.43 kg; 95%CI, -1.69 to 0.84). Likewise, no significant reduction in BMI (WMD, 0.02 kg/m(2); 95%CI, -0.11 to 0.14), weight (WMD, 0.12 kg; 95%CI, -0.24 to 0.49), or fat mass (WMD, 0.12 kg; 95%CI, -0.22 to 0.45) was observed in participants who received vitamin D plus calcium compared with those who received calcium control.

Conclusions: Supplementation with vitamin D showed no effect on adiposity measures in adults.

Keywords: adiposity; obesity; supplementation; vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity / drug effects*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Calcium / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Obesity / drug therapy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcium