25-Hydroxyvitamin D and osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis including new data

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Endocrinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions globally.
• Vitamin D deficiency is common and has been investigated for its potential role in OA pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis investigating the association between 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D serum levels and knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis.
• To update and expand upon previous findings regarding vitamin D and OA.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search of PubMed was performed for studies from February 1975 to December 2014.
• Included were 6 cross-sectional and 6 longitudinal studies, with participant numbers ranging from 99 to 1248.
• Osteoarthritis was assessed using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system, and vitamin D levels were measured at baseline, with incidence and progression tracked over a mean of 8.4 years.

Main Results:

• No consistent association was found between vitamin D levels and prevalent, incident, or progressive knee, hip, or hand OA.
• A meta-analysis of 3 studies indicated an increased risk of prevalent knee joint space narrowing (JSN) with lower vitamin D levels (OR = 1.52).
• Significantly increased risk was observed for progressive knee OA with low vitamin D levels (OR = 2.40), but not for incident or progressive OA overall.

Conclusions:

• Epidemiological evidence does not support an independent association between 25(OH) vitamin D levels and hip or hand OA.
• Significant associations were noted between low vitamin D levels and prevalent knee JSN and progressive knee OA.
• Current evidence does not support widespread vitamin D supplementation for preventing or managing OA, with a potential exception for progressive knee OA.