[Vitamin D and fractures: a systematic review]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread and often underestimated health concern, particularly prevalent in Southern Europe and among individuals over 65 years old.
• This deficiency is linked to significant musculoskeletal issues, including osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and proximal myopathy, which elevate the risk of falls and fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of vitamin D deficiency and its clinical implications.
• To evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of vitamin D treatment, particularly in high-risk populations.
• To address the controversy surrounding vitamin D treatment efficacy based on recent studies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies examining vitamin D deficiency and treatment efficacy.
• Analysis of methodological issues and interpretations in recent clinical trials.
• Assessment of cost-effectiveness based on risk reduction.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D deficiency poses a significant medical risk, contributing to severe bone and muscle-related conditions.
• Recent studies questioning vitamin D efficacy suffer from methodological limitations and questionable interpretations.
• Vitamin D supplementation is confirmed to be highly cost-effective for individuals at high risk of deficiency.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency is a critical issue with severe musculoskeletal consequences, necessitating attention, especially in vulnerable populations.
• Despite some conflicting reports, vitamin D treatment remains a valuable and cost-effective intervention for preventing fractures in at-risk individuals.
• Ensuring adequate patient compliance is paramount for the successful clinical outcomes of vitamin D therapy.