Effects of vitamin D supplementation on musculoskeletal health: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis

Cost-benefit analysis of calcium and vitamin D supplements

If all adults with osteoporosis in the European Union (EU) and United States (US) used calcium and vitamin D supplements, it could prevent more than 500,000 fractures/year in the EU and more than 300,000/year in the US and save approximately €5.7 billion and US $3.3 billion annually.

PURPOSE

Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of calcium/vitamin D supplementation for preventing osteoporotic fractures.

METHODS

A cost-benefit analysis tool was used to estimate the net cost savings from reduced fracture-related hospital expenses if adults with osteoporosis in the EU and US used calcium/vitamin D supplements. A 14% relative risk reduction of fracture with calcium/vitamin D supplementation from a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials was used as the basis for the benefit estimate. Other model inputs were informed by epidemiologic, clinical, and cost data (2016-2017) obtained via the medical literature or public databases. Analyses estimated the total number of avoided fractures and associated cost savings with supplement use. Net cost benefit was calculated by subtracting the supplements' market costs from those savings.

RESULTS

The > 30 million persons in the EU and nearly 11 million in US with osteoporosis experience about 3.9 million and 2.3 million fractures/year and have annual hospital costs exceeding €50 billion and $28 billion. If all persons with osteoporosis used calcium and vitamin D supplements, there would be an estimated 544,687 fewer fractures/year in the EU and 323,566 fewer in the US, saving over €6.9 billion and $3.9 billion; the net cost benefit would be €5,710,277,330 and $3,312,236,252, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Calcium and vitamin D supplements are highly cost-effective, and expanded use could considerably reduce fractures and related costs. Although these analyses included individuals aged ≥ 50 years, the observed effects are likely driven by benefits observed in those aged ≥ 65 years.

How to Prevent Loss of Muscle Mass and Strength among Older People in Neuro-Rehabilitation?

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide but also of disability. Stroke induces certain alterations of muscle metabolism associated with gross muscle atrophy and a decrease in muscle function, leading to sarcopenia. The vast majority of stroke cases occur in adults over 65 years of age, and the prevalence is expected to massively increase in the coming years in this population. Sarcopenia is associated with higher mortality and functional decline. Therefore, the identification of interventions that prevent muscle alterations after stroke is of great interest. The purpose of this review is to carry out a systematic literature review to identify evidence for nutritional and pharmacological interventions, which may prevent loss of muscle mass in the elderly after stroke. The search was performed on Medline in December 2018. Randomized controlled studies, observational studies and case reports conducted in the last 20 years on post-stroke patients aged 65 or older were included. In total, 684 studies were screened, and eight randomized control trials and two cohort studies were finally included and examined. This review reveals that interventions such as amino acid supplementation or anabolic steroid administration are efficient to prevent muscle mass. Little evidence is reported on nutritional aspects specifically in sarcopenia prevention after stroke. It pinpoints the need for future studies in this particular population.

Current vitamin D status in European and Middle East countries and strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency: a position statement of the European Calcified Tissue Society

Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) <50 nmol/L or 20 ng/mL) is common in Europe and the Middle East. It occurs in <20% of the population in Northern Europe, in 30-60% in Western, Southern and Eastern Europe and up to 80% in Middle East countries. Severe deficiency (serum 25(OH)D <30 nmol/L or 12 ng/mL) is found in >10% of Europeans. The European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) advises that the measurement of serum 25(OH)D be standardized, for example, by the Vitamin D Standardization Program. Risk groups include young children, adolescents, pregnant women, older people (especially the institutionalized) and non-Western immigrants. Consequences of vitamin D deficiency include mineralization defects and lower bone mineral density causing fractures. Extra-skeletal consequences may be muscle weakness, falls and acute respiratory infection, and are the subject of large ongoing clinical trials. The ECTS advises to improve vitamin D status by food fortification and the use of vitamin D supplements in risk groups. Fortification of foods by adding vitamin D to dairy products, bread and cereals can improve the vitamin D status of the whole population, but quality assurance monitoring is needed to prevent intoxication. Specific risk groups such as infants and children up to 3 years, pregnant women, older persons and non-Western immigrants should routinely receive vitamin D supplements. Future research should include genetic studies to better define individual vulnerability for vitamin D deficiency, and Mendelian randomization studies to address the effect of vitamin D deficiency on long-term non-skeletal outcomes such as cancer.

Vitamin D and Metabolic Supplementation in Orthopedic Trauma

Active assessment and management of hypovitaminosis D among orthopedic patients is low-risk and low-cost while retaining significant potential to improve patient care. Vitamin D has an established role in musculoskeletal development and calcium homeostasis, and vitamin D deficiency is pervasive in orthopedic trauma populations. Clinical guidelines for screening and supplementation for hypovitaminosis D are lacking. Literature on the effects of vitamin K on bone health is limited. Anabolic hormone analogues may have a future role in delayed union or nonunion treatment. Vitamin D deficiency and other endocrine abnormalities should be considered in orthopedic trauma patients presenting with fracture nonunion of uncertain cause.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Turnover and Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Men: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Vitamin D is well known for its effects on calcium and mineral metabolism. However, vitamin D effects on bone turnover markers (BTMs), which are used together with bone mineral density (BMD) to evaluate bone health, are less clear. We therefore examined vitamin D effects on BTMs (beta-cross laps (CTX) and osteocalcin (OC)) and BMD in a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). This is a post-hoc analysis of the Graz Vitamin D&TT-RCT, a single-center, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted between December 2012 and November 2017 at the endocrine outpatient clinic at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. A total of 200 healthy men with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels <75 nmol/L participated in the trial. Subjects were randomized to receive 20,000 IU of vitamin D3/week (n = 100) or placebo (n = 100) for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were BTMs, BMD, and trabecular bone score (TBS). A total of 192 men (mean age and 25(OH)D: 43 (±13) years and 54.9 (±18.3) nmol/L, respectively) completed the study. We found no significant treatment effect on BTMs, BMD, or TBS (p > 0.05 for all). In middle-aged healthy men, vitamin D treatment for 12 weeks had no significant effect on BTMs or BMD.

Serum 25(OH)D is associated with an altered bone turnover marker response after a hip fracture

C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) are bone turnover markers (BTMs) that are promising surrogate measures of fracture healing; however, it is unknown if their response is affected by other bone healing metabolites. Since 70% of fracture patients are reported to have insufficient serum vitamin D, we sought to determine if serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with differential changes in CTX and P1NP concentrations after hip fracture. This prospective cohort included hip fracture patients 65 years of age or older admitted to one of eight Baltimore-area hospitals. Serum samples were collected at baseline, 2-, 6-, and 12-month post-fracture. A mixed-effects repeated-measures analysis was used to determine the longitudinal association between vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml) and CTX and P1NP. Baseline lab values were obtained for 296 participants (mean age, 80.8 years; 51% male; 55% 25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml). During the acute fracture healing period P1NP concentrations increased by 14% (95%CI: 7-21%, p < 0.01) while CTX levels did not change (p = 0.07). Both CTX and P1NP decreased below baseline at 6 and 12 months. CTX levels were higher in participants with baseline 25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml (p = 0.01). There was no association between 25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml and P1NP levels over the study duration (p = 0.33). Data from this large, longitudinal cohort support claims that CTX and P1NP concentrations change during fracture healing; however, the differential response of CTX among vitamin D deficient patients highlights important questions for its utility as a reliable surrogate marker of fracture healing. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.

Vitamin D supplementation in obesity and during weight loss: A review of randomized controlled trials

Vitamin D deficiency is common in obese individuals and during weight loss. The recommended vitamin D doses in this specific population are higher than for healthy adults. We reviewed vitamin D supplementation trials in obesity, and during medical or surgical weight loss, and report the effects on 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and other relevant outcomes. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of oral vitamin D supplementation for at least 3 months in obese individuals without weight loss (OB), and those on medical weight loss (MWL) (2010-2018), and following bariatric surgery (Bar S) (without time restriction). Two reviewers screened the identified citations in duplicate and independently and performed full text screening. One reviewer completed data extraction. We identified 13 RCTs in OB, 6 in MWL and 7 in Bar S. Mean baseline 25(OH)D concentrations ranged between 7 and 27 ng/ml in OB, 15-29 ng/ml in MWL and 15-24 ng/ml in Bar S. In OB (Total N 2036 participants), vitamin D doses of 1600-4000 IU/d increased mean 25(OH)D concentrations to ≥30 ng/ml. Based on three trials during MWL (Total N 359 participants), vitamin D doses of 1200-4600 IU/d for 12 months increased 25(OH)D concentration to ≥30 ng/ml. In Bar S (Total N 615 participants), doses ≥2000 IU/d were needed to reach 30 ng/ml. The change in 25(OH)D concentration was inversely proportional to the administered dose, and to BMI and baseline level with doses of 600-3000 IU/day. With these doses, the change in 25(OH)D concentration [Δ25(OH)D] per 100 IU/d was 0.5-1.2 ng/ml. Three trials assessed bone mineral density as a primary outcome, but only one of them showed a protective effect of vitamin D against bone loss at all sites post-Bar S. There was no effect of vitamin D on weight loss. Data on extra-skeletal parameters, namely glycemic and vascular indices were mostly identified in OB, and findings were inconsistent. In conclusion, Vitamin D doses ≥1600-2000 IU/d may be needed to reach a 25(OH)D concentration of 30 ng/ml in obese individuals and following bariatric surgery. The optimal concentration in this population is unknown, and whether the above doses protect against weight loss induced bone loss and fractures still needs to be confirmed. There is no clear evidence for a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardio-metabolic parameters in obese individuals, and data on such parameters with weight loss are very scarce. Well-designed long term RCTs assessing the effect of vitamin D supplementation during weight loss on patient important outcomes are needed.

Bushen Yijing Fang Reduces Fall Risk in Late Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia: A Randomized Double-blind and Placebo-controlled Trial

Falls in late postmenopausal women with osteopenia usually cause fractures with severe consequences. This 36-month randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial with a 10-year observational follow-up study aimed to investigate the long-term effect of herbal formula Bushen Yijing Fang (BSYJF) on fall risk in the late postmenopausal women with osteopenia. 140 late postmenopausal women (Femoral neck T-score, −2.5~−2 SD) were recruited and randomized to orally receive calcium carbonate 300 mg daily with either BSYJF or placebo for 36 months. The effect was further investigated for another 10-year follow-up. During the 36-month administration, there were 12 falls in BSYJF group and 28 falls in placebo group, respectively, indicating 64% lower risk of falls (RR 0.36 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.71]; P = 0.004) in BSYJF group. During the 10-year follow-up, 36% lower fall risk (RR 0.64 [95% CI, 0.46 to 0.89]; P = 0.009) was observed in BSYJF group. No significant difference was found in safety profile between two groups. Thirty-six-month administration of BSYJF reduced fall risk with an increase in bone mass, and its latent effect on fall risk was continually observed in the 10-year follow-up in late postmenopausal women with osteopenia. This clinical trial was registered at Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR-IOR-16008942).

Vitamin D testing and treatment: a narrative review of current evidence

Vitamin D testing and treatment is a subject of controversial scientific discussions, and it is challenging to navigate through the expanding vitamin D literature with heterogeneous and partially opposed opinions and recommendations. In this narrative review, we aim to provide an update on vitamin D guidelines and the current evidence on the role of vitamin D for human health with its subsequent implications for patient care and public health issues. Vitamin D is critical for bone and mineral metabolism, and it is established that vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets and osteomalacia. While many guidelines recommend target serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations of ≥50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL), the minimum consensus in the scientific community is that serum 25(OH)D concentrations below 25-30 nmol/L (10-12 ng/mL) must be prevented and treated. Using this latter threshold of serum 25(OH)D concentrations, it has been documented that there is a high worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency that may require public health actions such as vitamin D food fortification. On the other hand, there is also reason for concern that an exploding rate of vitamin D testing and supplementation increases costs and might potentially be harmful. In the scientific debate on vitamin D, we should consider that nutrient trials differ from drug trials and that apart from the opposed positions regarding indications for vitamin D treatment we still have to better characterize the precise role of vitamin D for human health.

Passive Commuting and Higher Sedentary Time Is Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency in Adult and Older Women: Results from Chilean National Health Survey 2016⁻2017

The aim was to investigate the associations between different physical activity (PA) patterns and sedentary time (ST) with vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/mL) in a large sample of Chilean women. In this cross-sectional study, the final sample included 1245 adult and 686 older women. The PA levels, mode of commuting, ST, and leisure-time PA were self-reported. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as <12 ng/mL and insufficiency as <20 ng/mL. A higher ST was associated with vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio (OR): 2.4, 95%: 1.6⁻4.3) in adults, and passive commuting was associated with vitamin D deficiency in older (OR: 1.7, 95%: 1.1⁻2.7). Additionally, we found a joint association in the high ST/passive commuting group in adults (OR: 2.8, 95%: 1.6⁻4.9) and older (OR: 2.8, 95%: 1.5⁻5.2) with vitamin D deficiency, in respect to low ST/active commuting. The PA levels and leisure-time PA were not associated with vitamin D deficiency. In conclusion, mode of commuting and ST seems important variables related to vitamin D deficiency. Promoting a healthy lifestyle appears important also for vitamin D levels in adult and older women. Further studies are needed to establish causality of this association and the effect of vitamin D deficiency in different diseases in this population.

Effect of 6-Month Vitamin D Supplementation on Plasma Matrix Gla Protein in Older Adults

Vitamin D supplementation has been widely promoted to restore 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations; however, experimental evidence suggests a nutrient interaction with vitamin K. We assessed the effects of 1200 IU vitamin D₃ per day versus placebo for six months on vitamin K status in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with participants aged 60⁻80 years with depressive symptoms and ≥1 functional limitation for a secondary analysis. Stored baseline and six-month follow-up blood samples were available for 131 participants (n = 65 placebo vs. n = 66 vitamin D supplementation). We measured dephosphorylated uncarboxylated matrix gla protein (MGP) (dp-ucMGP) concentrations-a marker of vitamin K deficiency. Mean age was 68 years, and 89 participants (68%) were women. Vitamin K antagonists were used by 16 participants and multivitamin supplements by 50 participants. No differences in change between intervention and placebo were found (-38.5 ± 389 vs. 4.5 ± 127 (pmol/L), p = 0.562). When excluding vitamin K antagonist users and multivitamin users, dp-ucMGP at follow-up was significantly higher in the vitamin D group (n = 40) compared to placebo (n = 30), with a difference of 92.8 (5.7, 180) pmol/L, adjusting for baseline dp-ucMGP and sex. In conclusion, vitamin D supplementation for six months did not affect vitamin K status; however, among participants without vitamin K antagonist or multivitamin use, vitamin D supplementation influenced dp-ucMGP concentrations.

Tai chi for treating osteopenia and primary osteoporosis: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Purpose

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of Tai chi (TC) as an adjuvant treatment for osteopenia and primary osteoporosis.

Methods

We went through eight databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials that compared TC with a control group. The primary outcome was osteoporosis-related fractures (fracture incidence). Meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses (TSA) were conducted using RevMan 5.3 and TSA 0.9.

Results

Fifteen randomized controlled trials involving a total of 857 patients were included in the analyses. No trials reported primary outcome; however, bone mineral density (BMD) values differed significantly in subgroup 1 (TC vs no treatment; weighted mean difference [WMD] =0.05 g/cm², 95% CI 0.03 to 0.07; P<0.00001; P for heterogeneity =0.22, I²=22%) and subgroup 2 (TC vs conventional treatments; WMD =0.16 g/cm², 95% CI 0.11 to 0.21; P<0.00001; P for heterogeneity =0.008, I²=75%). In addition, two trials compared TC with conventional treatments, which found a significant difference in bone gla protein (standardized mean difference =−1.18, 95% CI −1.66 to −0.70; P<0.00001; P for heterogeneity =0.58, I²=75%). The results of the BMD were confirmed by TSA. Also, TC may have a certain effect on the relief of osteoporotic pain (WMD = −2.61, 95% CI −3.51 to −1.71; WMD = −1.39, 95% CI −2.01 to −0.77). However, it did not promote the quality of life, level of serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and also had no effect on bone turnover markers.

Conclusion

Although there is no study monitoring fracture incidence, TC may be beneficial for patients in improving BMD values, level of bone gla protein, and relieving osteoporotic pain. However, due to the low methodological quality, current evidence for treating osteopenia and primary osteoporosis through TC is insufficient.

Haemophilia and ageing

Advances in the development of effective and safe treatments for haemophilia over the last 50 years have resulted in a significant increase in the life expectancy of persons with haemophilia (PWH). The management of this new cohort of middle-aged and elderly PWH is challenging because of the opposing risks of haemophilia and age-related cardiovascular disease and malignancy. Furthermore, this cohort of ageing PWH has the additional comorbidities of human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C and chronic haemophilic arthropathy. This article reviews the prevalence, underlying mechanisms and treatment strategies for managing these comorbidities. International collaboration is essential for registry data and further prospective trials to inform optimal evidence-based management for this rare disorder in the future.