Impact of vitamin D supplementation on the outcomes of kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Rationale & objective: A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency has been documented among individuals who have undergone kidney transplantation. The efficacy of post-transplantation vitamin D therapy remains inconclusive when examined through isolated studies. Therefore, a meta-analytic approach was employed to consolidate current literature and assess the influence of vitamin D supplementation on recipient outcomes following renal transplantation.
Selection criteria for studies: Included were randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies related to kidney transplantation, as well as research examining the impact of regular vitamin D supplementation on outcomes following kidney transplantation.
Results: 8 studies ultimately satisfied selection criteria for this review. The temporal scope of included studies stretched from 2005 to 2025, encompassing patient populations between 79 and 536 recipients per investigation. Post-baseline surveillance periods diverged substantially, measuring 12 through 24 months. Vitamin D was administered at daily doses between 800 IU and 7000 IU. Supplementation produced significant elevation in 25(OH)D concentrations. A downward trend in parathyroid hormone levels was observed following vitamin D supplementation, though this reduction did not reach statistical significance. Notably, this was achieved safely without provoking hypercalcemia. Post-operative femoral neck bone mineral density T-score additionally…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Effectiveness of Bisphosphonates and Denosumab on Risk of Vertebral Fractures in Prostate Cancer Patients Under Androgen Deprivation Therapies: A Real-World Prospective Study
- Osteoporosis-related fractures after spinal cord injury: a retrospective study from Brazil
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and mortality in older men
- Lack of Association between Vitamin D Insufficiency and Cardiovascular or Fracture Risk: A UK Biobank Study
- Muscle strength and body composition are clinical indicators of osteoporosis
- Incidence of bone protection and associated fragility injuries in patients with proximal femur fractures
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.