Vit D controversy

VITAMIN D supplementation may be worthwhile in spite of a recent meta-analysis, according to Professor Rebecca Mason, professor of endocrine physiology at the University of Sydney.

The analysis had “lumped together” studies of high- and low-dose vitamin D, and those investigating vitamin D in people with and without adequate calcium intake.

So although the systematic review and meta-analysis of 81 randomised controlled trials covering 53,000 participants suggested that vitamin D supplements do not prevent fractures or falls, nor have any clinically meaningful effect on bone mineral density, the data sources are challengeable.

Mason also criticised the mix of studies in the review, which included trials of vitamin D alone, and trials with vitamin D plus calcium.

“This is a problem because several earlier meta-analyses also showed that where it works, it is vitamin D plus calcium, not vitamin D alone, that reduced fractures and falls,” she said.

Mason also identified other limitations - CLICK HERE.