No Benefit from Vitamin D Supplementation for Postmenopausal Musculoskeletal Health

Neither high-dose nor low-dose supplementation increased bone-mineral density, improved muscle outcomes, or lowered fall rates.

Low vitamin D levels are associated with lower bone-mineral density and possibly greater risk for muscle weakness and falls. However, the definition of “low” is unclear, with vitamin D insufficiency often defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels of either <20 ng/mL or <30 ng/mL. In this study, 230 postmenopausal women (age, <75) with 25(OH)D levels between 14 ng/mL and 27 ng/mL (mean level, 21 ng/mL) and no diseases that could affect vitamin D or calcium absorption or musculoskeletal health were randomized to low-dose cholecalciferol (800 IU daily), high-dose cholecalciferol (50,000 IU twice monthly, after a 15-day loading dose), or placebo. High-dose participants were monitored to maintain 25(OH)D levels ≥30 ng/mL. All participants …

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

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Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

No Benefit from Vitamin D Supplementation for Postmenopausal Musculoskeletal Health

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Reviewing Author