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Effects of intermittent or single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on risk of falls and fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

S. Myung, He-Chong Cho

Osteoporosis International, 2023

1,000 participants · 24 citations

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Previous randomized controlled trials have reported inconsistent findings regarding the effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on a risk of falls and fractures. This meta-analysis of 15 trials shows that intermittent or single high-dose vitamin D supplementation had no preventive effect on the risk of falls and fractures and might even increase the risk of falls.

PURPOSE: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported controversial findings regarding the associations between intermittent or single high-dose vitamin D supplementation and a risk of falls and fractures in adults. This study aimed to investigate those associations using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library from inception to May 25, 2022. Data were extracted for a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate a pooled relative risk (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS: Out of 527 articles, a total of 15 RCTs were included in the final analysis. In a meta-analysis of RCTs, intermittent or single high-dose vitamin D supplementation showed no significant beneficial effect in the prevention of either falls (RR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.98-1.09]; I2 = 56.6%; n = 11) or fractures (RR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.87-1.14]; I2 = 48.3%; n = 11). Among the subgroup meta-analyses by various factors, intermittent or single high-dose vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of fractures in the subgroup meta-analysis of RCTs that included fewer than 1000…

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. Reported size: 1,000 participants or records.

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