Vitamin D may halt progression of knee joint diseases, finds study
USA: Supplementation with vitamin D significantly lessens the progression of knee joint abnormalities, suggests a recent study in the journal Arthritis Care & Research.
Older adults are recommended vitamin D to prevent fractures. Though this population is also at risk of osteoarthritis (OA), the effect of vitamin D on osteoarthritis is unclear
Gabby B. Joseph, Universpity of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, and colleagues determined the longitudinal and cross-sectional associations of vitamin C and D intake with MRI measures of joint structure (bone marrow, meniscus, and cartilage) and cartilage composition using data from Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) cohort.
The researchers selected a total of 1,785 subjects from the OAI database. The subjects had radiographic Kellgren/Lawrence knee grades 0–3 in the right knee. The Block Brief 2000 Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess vitamin C and vitamin D intake. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging analysis protocol included 3T cartilage T2 quantification and semiquantitative joint morphology gradings (Whole‐Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score [WORMS]) at baseline and 4 years. the association between standardized baseline vitamin intake and both baseline WORMS scores and standardized cartilage T2 values was assessed using linear regression.
Key findings of the study include:
- Higher vitamin C intake was associated with lower average cartilage T2 values, medial tibia T2 values, and medial tibia WORMS scores (standardized coefficient range –0.07 to –0.05).
- Higher vitamin D intake was associated with a lower cartilage WORMS sum score and medial femur WORMS score (standardized coefficient range –0.24 to –0.09).
- Consistent use of vitamin D supplements of 400 IU at least once a week over 4 years was associated with significantly less worsening of cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow abnormalities (odds ratio range 0.40–0.56).
"Vitamin D supplementation over 4 years was associated with significantly less progression of knee joint abnormalities. Given the observational nature of this study, future longitudinal randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation are warranted," concluded the authors.
The study, "Associations Between Vitamins C and D Intake and Cartilage Composition and Knee Joint Morphology Over 4 Years: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative," is published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.