Vitamin D supplementation and bone health in menopausal women: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Abstract
Serum 25(OH)D (vitamin D) plays an important role in skeletal and muscle function(1). Menopausal women are at an increased risk of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture due to a decline in oestrogen levels(2). A low circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level during menopause is a common problem and has been associated with changes in dietary intake and body composition(3). While vitamin D supplementation has been shown to increase serum 25(OH)D levels, its isolated effects on bone health in menopausal women is largely misunderstood. A systematic review was conducted to identify, appraise, and synthesise available studies to assess the impact of vitamin D supplements and bone health in menopausal women. Four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to 8 December 2023. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in menopausal and/or post-menopausal women were included. Studies published in English and measuring BMD, fracture risk, calcium absorption, or serum 25(OH)D levels were eligible. Animal/lab trials, studies involving pharmaceutical co-treatments or vitamin K and/or calcium supplements were excluded. Two researchers independently extracted data according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines(4) and assessed possible bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool v2. A narrative approach was used to…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, 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. Reported size: 696 participants or records.
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