Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
Published on: May 4, 2018
Effects of Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) on Parathyroid Hormone, Calcium, and Phosphorus in Humans: A Systematic Review
Junmei Lai1, Xiaofan Yu2, Kousalya Prabahar3
1Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China.
Context:
There is a clear link between ergocalciferol, parathyroid hormone (PTH), phosphorus, and calcium. Various randomized trials have examined the effectiveness of ergocalciferol on vitamins and minerals. However, conflicting results have been reported, and the optimal dose and duration of ergocalciferol remain unclear.
Objective:
This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs aim to evaluate the effect of vitamin D2 on PTH, calcium, and phosphorus in humans.
Data Sources:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted with the assistance of a librarian. Independent reviewers performed searches across multiple databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Embase, from their inception until September 20, 2024.
Data Extraction:
The random-effects model, based on the DerSimonian and Laird method, was applied to compute pooled estimates of the intervention's impact on the outcomes.
Data Analyses:
A total of 26 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis, using a random-effects model, demonstrated a significant reduction in serum PTH concentrations (WMD, -12.77 pg/mL, 95% CI, -20.03 to -5.51, P = .001, I2 = 96%, P < .001) and a significant increase in calcium levels (WMD, 0.15 mg/dL, 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.27, P = .011) following vitamin D2 intervention. However, a nonsignificant effect of vitamin D2 on phosphorus concentrations was observed (WMD, 0.166 mg/dL, 95% CI, -0.08 to 0.41, P = .197).
Conclusion:
Vitamin D2 supplementation appears to improve serum calcium levels while decreasing PTH levels. Given the low cost and wide availability of ergocalciferol, it can be recommended, especially for older adults, to help maintain bone strength.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
00:51Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...