Effect of vitamin D supplementation alone on muscle function in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial The effect of vitamin D2 supplementation on muscle strength in early postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Effects of three-monthly oral 150,000 IU cholecalciferol supplementation on falls, mobility, and muscle strength in older postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. Physical performance and life quality in postmenopausal women supplemented with vitamin D: a two-year prospective study Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Mass, and Physical Performance in Women with Vitamin D Insufficiency: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Muscle strength and mobility in vitamin D-insufficient female geriatric patients: a randomized controlled trial on vitamin D and calcium supplementation A randomized controlled trial of the effects of vitamin D on muscle strength and mobility in older women with vitamin D insufficiency. The effects of whole-body vibration training and vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength, muscle mass, and bone density in institutionalized elderly women: a 6-month randomized, controlled trial. Effects of Enhanced Exercise and Combined Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Chinese Women. Muscle strength, functional mobility and vitamin D in older women Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Lean Mass, Muscle Strength, and Bone Mineral Density During Weight Loss: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Exercise and vitamin D in fall prevention among older women: a randomized clinical trial. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammation: protocol for a systematic review A parallel group double-blind RCT of vitamin D3 assessing physical function: is the biochemical response to treatment affected by overweight and obesity? Effect of Calcium β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate (CaHMB), Vitamin D, and Protein Supplementation on Postoperative Immobilization in Malnourished Older Adult Patients With Hip Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Study. Protein-containing nutrient supplementation following strength training enhances the effect on muscle mass, strength, and bone formation in postmenopausal women. Vitamin D supplementation in the management of knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in depression in adults: a systematic review protocol High-intensity aquatic exercises (HydrOS) improve physical function and reduce falls among postmenopausal women The role of vitamin D in improving physical performance in the elderly. Effect of green tea and Tai Chi on bone health in postmenopausal osteopenic women: a 6-month randomized placebo-controlled trial Supplementation with DHEA: effect on muscle size, strength, quality of life, and lipids. The Women's Health Initiative calcium-vitamin D trial: overview and baseline characteristics of participants. Calcium Plus Vitamin D Supplementation Has Limited Effects on Femoral Geometric Strength in Older Postmenopausal Women: The Women’s Health Initiative Impact of l-citrulline supplementation and whole-body vibration training on arterial stiffness and leg muscle function in obese postmenopausal women with high blood pressure Effects of a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement on measures of sarcopenia in older adults, the PROVIDE study: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Vitamin K2 supplementation does not influence bone loss in early menopausal women: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Summary The present study investigates the effects of vitamin D on muscle function in postmenopausal women . It has been shown that vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal women with hypovitaminosis D provides significant protective factor against sarcopenia , with significant increases in muscle strength and control of progressive loss of lean mass . Introduction We aim ed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of vitamin D ( VITD ) alone on muscle function in younger postmenopausal women . Methods In this double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial , 160 Brazilian postmenopausal women were r and omized into two groups : VITD group consisting of patients receiving vitamin D3 1000 IU/day orally ( n = 80 ) or placebo group ( n = 80 ) . Women with amenorrhea for more than 12 months and age 50–65 years , with a history of falls ( previous 12 months ) , were included . The intervention time was 9 months , with assessment s at two points , start and end . Lean mass was estimated by total-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry ( DXA ) and muscle strength by h and grip strength and chair rising test . The plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [ 25(OH)D ] were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC ) . Statistical analysis was by intention to treat ( ITT ) , using ANOVA , Student ’s t test , and Tukey ’s test . Results After 9 months , average values of 25(OH)D increased from 15.0 ± 7.5 to 27.5 ± 10.4 ng/ml ( + 45.4 % ) in the VITD group and decreased from 16.9 ± 6.7 to 13.8 ± 6.0 ng/ml ( −18.5 % ) in the placebo group ( p < 0.001 ) . In the VITD group , there was significant increase in muscle strength ( + 25.3 % ) of the lower limbs by chair rising test ( p = 0.036 ) . In women in the placebo group , there was considerable loss ( −6.8 % ) in the lean mass ( p = 0.030 ) . Conclusion The supplementation of vitamin D alone in postmenopausal women provided significant protective factor against the occurrence of sarcopenia , with significant increases in muscle strength and control of progressive loss of lean mass Abstract Background : Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [ 25(OH)D ] has been shown to be associated with low muscle mass and loss of muscle strength , result ing in increased disability and frailty in older men and women . Vitamin D deficiency is common in postmenopausal women . The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength in early postmenopausal women . The effects of vitamin D2 supplementation on muscle mass and muscle cross-sectional area ( CSA ) were secondarily investigated . Methods : A 12-week , prospect i ve , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial was conducted in early postmenopausal women ( 45–60 years old ) with vitamin D deficiency ( serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml ) . A total of 88 subjects were r and omized into group I : vitamin D2 supplement 40 000 IU/week ( n = 44 ) , or group II : placebo ( n = 44 ) . Serum 25(OH)D level , muscle strength , muscle mass and muscle CSA were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks after the supplementation . Results : After 12 weeks of supplementation , 70 % of women in group I achieved a sufficient level of serum 25(OH)D ( > 30 ng/ml ) . There were significant differences in changes of serum 25(OH)D levels between the two groups ( p < 0.05 ) . Muscle strength and muscle CSA in group I increased significantly after 12 weeks ( p = 0.015 , 0.045 , respectively ) . However , there were no significant differences in the mean changes of muscle strength , muscle mass and muscle CSA between the two groups ( p = 0.16 , 0.89 , 0.84 , respectively ) . Conclusion : In this study , we found no obvious effect of vitamin D supplementation on the changes in muscle strength , muscle mass and muscle CSA when compared to placebo . However , there were significant changes in muscle strength and muscle CSA from baseline in the vitamin D supplementation group Daily vitamin D in addition to calcium supplementation reduces falls and fractures in older women . However , poor adherence to therapy is a common clinical problem . To examine the effects of supervised oral 3-monthly vitamin D therapy on falls , muscle strength , and mobility , we conducted a 9-month r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial in 686 community-dwelling ambulant women aged over 70 years . Participants received either oral cholecalciferol 150,000 IU every 3 months ( n = 353 ) or an identical placebo ( n = 333 ) . All participants were advised to increase dietary calcium intake . Falls data were collected 3-monthly . At baseline , 3 , 6 , and 9 months , muscle strength was measured by a h and held dynamometer and mobility by the Timed Up and Go ( TUG ) test . Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D ( 25OHD ) was measured in a subgroup of 40 subjects . Mean age at baseline was 76.7 ± 4.1 years . The average serum 25OHD value at baseline was 65.8 ± 22.7 nmol/L. By 3 , 6 , and 9 months after supplementation , 25OHD levels of the vitamin D group were approximately 15 nmol/L higher than the placebo group . Calcium intake did not change significantly between baseline ( 864 ± 412 mg/day ) and 9 months ( 855 ± 357 mg/day ) . Faller rates in the two groups did not differ : vitamin D group , 102 of 353 ( 29 % ) ; placebo group , 89 of 333 ( 27 % ) . At 9 months , compared to placebo or baseline , muscle strength , and TUG were not altered by vitamin D. In conclusion , oral cholecalciferol 150,000 IU therapy administered 3-monthly had neither beneficial nor adverse effects on falls or physical function . These data together with previous findings confirm that intermittent large doses of vitamin D are ineffective or have a deleterious effect on falls . Thus despite adherence issues with daily vitamin D replacement , an intermittent , high-dose vitamin D regimen can not be supported as a strategy to reduce falls and fractures Aim : To investigate the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone turnover marker levels , muscle strength and quality of life in postmenopausal Chinese women . Methods : A total of 485 healthy postmenopausal Chinese women ( 63.44±5.04 years ) were enrolled in this open-label , 2-year , prospect i ve , community-based trial . The participants were divided into group A , B , C , which were treated with calcium ( 600 mg/d ) alone , calcium ( 600 mg/d ) and cholecalciferol ( 800 IU/d ) or calcium ( 600 mg/d ) and calcitriol ( 0.25 μg/d ) , respectively , for 2 years . Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D , parathyroid hormone , β-CTX and P1NP were measured , and the muscle strength and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at 12- and 24-month follow-ups . Results : Four hundred and sixty one participants completed this study . Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were significantly increased in group C , but not changed in groups A and B at 24-month follow-up . Serum levels of parathyroid hormone , bone turnover marker β-CTX and bone formation marker P1NP were significantly decreased in group C , while serum levels of β-CTX were increased in group A at 24-month follow-up . The participants in group C maintained the grip strength , while those in groups A and B exhibited decreased grip strength at 24-month follow-up . The quality of life for the participants in groups B and C remained consistent , but that in group A was deteriorated at 24-month follow-up . Conclusion : Supplementation with calcitriol and calcium modifies the bone turnover marker levels , and maintains muscle strength and quality of life in postmenopausal Chinese women , whereas supplementation with cholecalciferol and calcium prevents aging-mediated deterioration in quality of life Vitamin D insufficiency and hyperparathyroidism have been associated with reduced muscle strength , physical performance , postural stability , well-being , and quality of life . In a double-blinded , r and omized placebo-controlled trial , we aim ed to investigate effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on above-mentioned outcomes in healthy community-dwelling postmenopausal women with plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( 25(OH)D ) below < 50 nmol/l and high parathyroid hormone ( PTH ) levels . Participants ( N = 81 ) were 1:1 treated with vitamin D3  , 70 µg ( 2800 IU)/day or identical placebo for three months during wintertime ( 56 ° N ) . Vitamin D3 supplementation  increased levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D by 230 % ( 95 % CI 189 to 272)% , p < 0.001 and 58 % ( 190 to 271 % ) , p < 0.001 , respectively , and reduced PTH by 17 % ( − 23 to − 11 % ) , p < 0.001 . Compared with placebo , vitamin D3 significantly reduced maximal h and grip strength by 9 % ( − 15 to − 3 % ; p < 0.01 ) and knee flexion strength by 13 % ( − 24 to − 2 % ; p = 0.02 ) and increased the time spent on performing the Timed Up and Go test by 4.4 % ; ( 0.1–8.6 % ; p < 0.05 ) . Levels of physical activity , total lean body mass , appendicular lean mass index , postural stability , well-being , and quality of life did not change in response to treatment . Compared with placebo , a daily supplement with a relatively high dose of vitamin D3 had no beneficial effects on any outcomes . In some measures of muscle strength and physical performance , we even saw a small unfavorable effect . Our data call for caution on use of relatively high daily doses of vitamin D3 in the treatment of vitamin D insufficiency Background and aims : Insufficient vitamin D status , commonly found in older people , has been associated with muscle weakness which , in old age , impairs mobility and is a risk factor for falling . In a r and omized , double-blind placebo-controlled trial , we tested the hypothesis that vitamin D + calcium supplementation improves muscle strength and mobility , compared with calcium mono-therapy in vitamin D-insufficient female geriatric patients . Methods : Seventy female geriatric patients > 65 years of age with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 ( 25OHD ) concentrations between 20 and 50 nmol/L , visiting an outpatient geriatric department , were included . Participants received either cholecalciferol 400 IU/day + calcium 500 mg/day ( D/Cal group ) or a placebo + calcium 500 mg/day ( Plac/Cal group ) for 6 months . At baseline and 6 months , muscle strength , power and functional mobility were tested . Results : At baseline , 25OHD was significantly ( p<0.05 ) associated with knee extension strength ( r=0.42 ) , h and grip strength ( r=0.28 ) , leg extension power ( r=0.34 ) , Timed Get Up and Go ( r=−0.31 ) and Modified Cooper test ( r=0.44 ) . At 6 months , a significant difference in 25OHD ( 77.2 vs 41.6 nmol/L , p<0.001 ) and 1,25OHD was found between the two groups . Significantly improving vitamin D status in the D/Cal group compared with the Plac/Cal group did not result in a significant difference in strength or functional mobility between the two groups . Conclusions : Daily 400IU vitamin D + 500 mg calcium supplementation is not enough to significantly improve strength or mobility in vitamin D-insufficient female geriatric patients OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of vitamin D treatment on muscle strength and mobility in older women with vitamin D insufficiency . DESIGN One-year population -based , double-blind , r and omized , controlled trial . SETTING Perth , Australia ( latitude 32 ° S ) . PARTICIPANTS Three hundred two community-dwelling ambulant elderly women aged 70 to 90 with a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( 25(OH)D ) concentration less than 24 ng/mL. INTERVENTION Vitamin D(2 ) 1,000 IU/d or identical placebo ; calcium citrate ( 1 g calcium/d ) in both groups . MEASUREMENTS Lower limb muscle strength and mobility as assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test ( TUAG ) . RESULTS At baseline , mean ± st and ard deviation serum 25(OH)D was 17.7 ± 4.2 ng/mL ; this increased to 24.0 ± 5.6 ng/mL in the vitamin D group after 1 year but remained the same in the placebo group . For hip extensor and adductor strength and TUAG , but not for other muscle groups , a significant interaction between treatment group and baseline values was noted . In those with baseline values in the lowest tertile , vitamin D  improved muscle strength and TUAG more than calcium alone ( mean ( st and ard error ) : hip extensors 22.6 % ( 9.5 % ) ; hip adductors 13.5 % ( 6.7 % ) , TUAG 17.5 % ( 7.6 % ) , P < .05 ) . Baseline 25(OH)D levels did not influence patient response to supplementation . CONCLUSION Vitamin D therapy was observed to increase muscle function in those who were the weakest and slowest at baseline . Vitamin D should be given to people with insufficiency or deficiency to improve muscle strength and mobility Sarcopenia and osteoporosis represent a growing public health problem . We studied the potential benefit of whole-body vibration ( WBV ) training given a conventional or a high dose of daily vitamin D supplementation in improving strength , muscle mass , and bone density in postmenopausal women . In a 2 × 2 factorial- design trial , 113 institutionalized elderly females aged over 70 years ( mean age 79.6 years ) were r and omly assigned either to a WBV or a no-training group , receiving either a conventional dose ( 880 IU/day ) or a high dose ( 1600 IU/day ) of vitamin D(3 ) . The primary aim was to determine the effects of 6 months of WBV and /or vitamin D supplementation on isometric and dynamic strength , leg muscle mass , and hip bone mineral density ( BMD ) . Additionally , the increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [ 25(OH)D ] levels between conventional and high-dose supplementation was compared . After 6 months of treatment , dynamic muscle strength , hip BMD , and vitamin D serum levels improved significantly in all groups , whereas isometric strength and muscle mass did not change . When compared with no training , the WBV program did not result in additional improvements . When compared with 880 IU , a high dose of 1600 IU of vitamin D did result in higher serum vitamin D levels but did not result in additional improvements . In institutionalized women older than 70 years , the WBV training protocol tested is not more efficient in enhancing muscle mass , strength , and hip BMD compared with vitamin D supplementation . A higher dose of 1600 IU of vitamin D does not provide additional musculoskeletal benefit in this population compared with conventional doses Objective To observe the effects of enhanced exercise and combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation on muscular strength and fracture occurrence in postmenopausal women with a high risk of osteoporosis . Methods Totally 614 postmenopausal women at high risk factors of osteoporosis were enrolled in Dongcheng district of Beijing and r and omized into four groups : group A(control group , n=173),group B(regular Tai Chi exercise , n=171),group C(calcium 600 mg/d+VitD3 800 U/d , n=139 ) , and group D[calcium 600 mg/d+25 hydroxyl vitamin D(25OHD ) 0.25 μg/d , n=131].Muscular strength was measured at baseline and one and two years after intervention . Bone turnover markers were measured at baseline and during the two-year follow-up . Falls and fractures were recorded . Results The incidence of 25OHD<50 nmol/L was approximately 92.6%.During the follow-up , the left grip strength decreased significantly two years after intervention(t=-3.252,P=0.001)in group A.Right grip strength decreased significantly in group B(t=2.460,P=0.015)while left grip strength improved significantly in group C(t=-2.051,P=0.043)one year after intervention . In group D , muscular strength in both 12-month and 24-month did not change compared with baseline(both P>0.05).Furthermore , serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide elevated significantly in group A(t=-2.962,P=0.004),group B(t=-2.888,P=0.005 ) , and group C(t=-2.441,P=0.016),whereas β-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen decreased significantly in group B(t=2.285,P=0.024 ) and group D(t=2.596,P=0.011)two years after intervention . Conclusion Enhanced exercise and combined calcium vitamin D supplementation may help sustain muscle strength in postmenopausal women , while calcium and vitamin D supplementation may improve muscular strength within a short period of time Vitamin D deficiency may lead to loss of type II muscle fibres , and thereby to atrophy of proximal muscles with an increased risk of falling and bone fractures . The aim of the study was to determine if six months of vitamin D treatment ( 0.5 μg alphacalcidol ) could positively influence values for muscle strength and functio nal mobility in vitamin D-deficient older women . Twenty-seven women entered the study which took place at a teaching hospital outpatient department . Ten vitamin D-deficient ( serum 25(OH)D3 < 20 nmol/L ) older ( > 70 years ) women and 13 age-matched female subjects with normal vitamin D levels ( serum 25(OH)D3 > 30 nmol/L ) completed the study . Pre- and post-treatment data were obtained for isometric knee extensor strength , h and grip strength and functional mobility ( walking distance over 2 minutes and the timed “ Up & Go ” test ) . Six months of treatment with alphacalcidol led to significant improvements ( compared to the controls ) in values of isometric knee extensor strength ( left leg : 14.6%±5.7 % , p=0.03 ; right leg : 11.5%±5.0 % , p=0.02 ) ( mean±SEM ) . The achievements in the timed “ Up & Go ” test and 2-minute walking test did not improve in the alphacalcidol group compared to the controls after 6 months . However , within the vitamin D-deficient group , 6 months of alphacalcidol treatment led to a significant increase in the walking distance over 2 minutes ( increase from 137.6±12.6 to 151.3±11.2 meters , p=0.03 ) . The controls , with normal vitamin D levels , did not exhibit improvements in performance of any of the tests over a period of 6 months . Summarized , alphacalcidol seems to improve muscle strength and walking distance over 2 minutes in vitamin D-deficient older women OBJECTIVES To compare the effects of 12 months of vitamin D3 supplementation with that placebo on lean mass , bone mineral density ( BMD ) , and muscle strength in overweight or obese postmenopausal women completing a structured weight-loss program . DESIGN Double-blind , placebo-controlled r and omized clinical trial . SETTING Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle , Washington . PARTICIPANTS Postmenopausal women aged 50 to 75 with a body mass index ( BMI ) of 25 kg/m(2 ) or greater and a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( 25(OH)D ) concentration between 10.0 and 32.0 ng/mL ( insufficient ) ( N = 218 ) . INTERVENTION Oral vitamin D3 2,000 IU/d or placebo in combination with a lifestyle-based weight loss intervention consisting of a reduction of 500 kcal to 1,000 kcal per day and 225 min/wk of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise .  MEASUREMENTS Serum 25(OH)D , body composition , and muscle strength were measured before r and omization ( baseline ) and at 12 months . Mean changes of the groups were compared ( intention to treat ) using generalized estimating equations . RESULTS Change in 25(OH)D was significantly different between the vitamin D and placebo groups at 12 months ( 13.6 ng/mL vs -1.3 ng/mL , P < .001 ) , but no differences in change in lean mass ( -0.8 kg vs -1.1 kg , P = .53 ) or BMD of the spine ( -0.01 g/cm(2 ) vs 0.0 g/cm(2 ) , P = .82 ) or right femoral neck ( both -0.01 g/cm(2 ) , P = .49 ) were detected between the groups . Leg strength decreased in the vitamin D group but not in the placebo group ( -2.6 pounds vs 1.8 pounds , P = .03 ) . In women r and omized to vitamin D , achieving repletion ( 25(OH)D ≥ 32 ng/mL ) did not alter results . CONCLUSION Vitamin D3 supplementation during weight-loss decreased leg strength but did not alter changes in lean mass or BMD in postmenopausal women with vitamin D insufficiency IMPORTANCE While vitamin D supplementation and exercise are recommended for prevention of falls for older people , results regarding these 2 factors are contradictory . OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of targeted exercise training and vitamin D supplementation in reducing falls and injurious falls among older women . DESIGN , SETTING , AND PARTICIPANTS A 2-year r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled vitamin D and open exercise trial conducted between April 2010 and March 2013 in Tampere , Finl and . Participants were 409 home-dwelling women 70 to 80 years old . The main inclusion criteria were at least 1 fall during the previous year , no use of vitamin D supplements , and no contraindication to exercise . INTERVENTIONS Four study groups , including placebo without exercise , vitamin D ( 800 IU/d ) without exercise , placebo and exercise , and vitamin D ( 800 IU/d ) and exercise . MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was monthly reported falls . Injurious falls and the number of fallers and injured fallers were reported as secondary outcomes . In addition , bone density , physical functioning ( muscle strength , balance , and mobility ) , and vitamin D metabolism were assessed . RESULTS Intent-to-treat analyses showed that neither vitamin D nor exercise reduced falls . Fall rates per 100 person-years were 118.2 , 132.1 , 120.7 , and 113.1 in the placebo without exercise , vitamin D without exercise , placebo and exercise , and vitamin D and exercise study groups , respectively ; however , injurious fall rates were 13.2 , 12.9 , 6.5 , and 5.0 , respectively . Hazard ratios for injured fallers were significantly lower among exercisers with vitamin D ( 0.38 ; 95 % CI , 0.17 - 0.83 ) and without vitamin D ( 0.47 ; 95 % CI , 0.23 - 0.99 ) . Vitamin D maintained femoral neck bone mineral density and increased tibial trabecular density slightly . However , only exercise improved muscle strength and balance .  Vitamin D did not enhance exercise effects on physical functioning . CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The rate of injurious falls and injured fallers more than halved with strength and balance training in home-dwelling older women , while neither exercise nor vitamin D affected the rate of falls . Exercise improved physical functioning . Future research is needed to determine the role of vitamin D in the enhancement of strength , balance , and mobility . TRIAL REGISTRATION clinical trials.gov Identifier : NCT00986466 Introduction The extraskeletal role of vitamin D is being increasingly recognised . This has important clinical implication s , as vitamin D deficiency has reached epidemic proportions worldwide . Vitamin D has proposed anti-inflammatory properties , yet the role of vitamin D supplementation in reducing inflammation remains largely unknown . The purpose of this review is to investigate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on inflammation , and to identify relevant knowledge gaps in the field . Methods and analysis Medline , CINAHL , EMBASE and All EBM will be systematic ally search ed for r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) and systematic review s of RCTs , comparing vitamin D supplementation with placebo , usual care or other pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions . One review er will assess articles for eligibility according to prespecified selection criteria , after which 2 independent review ers will perform data extraction and quality appraisal . Meta-analyses will be conducted where appropriate . Ethics and dissemination Formal ethical approval is not required as no primary data is collected . This systematic review will identify potential clinical implication s of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation , and will be disseminated through a peer- review ed publication and at conference meetings , to inform future research on the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation for inflammation and inflammatory diseases . PROSPERO registration number CRD42016037104 Summary Vitamin D may affect skeletal muscle function . In a double-blind , r and omised , placebo-controlled trial , we found that vitamin D3 supplementation ( 400 or 1,000 I.U. vs. placebo daily for 1 year with bimonthly study visits ) does not improve grip strength or reduce falls . Introduction This study aim ed to test the supplementation effects of vitamin D3 on physical function and examine associations between overweight/obesity and the biochemical response to treatment . Methods In a parallel group double-blind RCT , healthy postmenopausal women from North East Scotl and ( latitude—57 ° N ) aged 60–70 years ( body mass index ( BMI ) , 18–45 kg/m2 ) were assigned ( computer r and omisation ) to daily vitamin D3 ( 400 I.U. ( n = 102)/1,000 I.U. ( n = 101 ) ) or matching placebo ( n = 102 ) ( 97 , 96 and 100 participants analysed for outcomes , respectively ) from identical coded containers for 1 year . Grip strength ( primary outcome ) , falls , diet , physical activity and ultraviolet B radiation exposure were measured bimonthly , as were serum 25(OH)D , adjusted calcium ( ACa ) and phosphate . Fat/lean mass ( dual energy X-ray absorptiometry ) , anthropometry , 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone were measured at baseline and 12 months . Participants and research ers were blinded throughout intervention and analysis . Results Treatment had no effect on grip strength ( mean change (SD)/year = −0.5 ( 2.5 ) , −0.9 ( 2.7 ) and −0.4 ( 3.3 ) kg force for 400/1,000 I.U. vitamin D3 and placebo groups , respectively ( P = .10 , ANOVA ) ) or falls ( P = .65 , chi-squared test ) . Biochemical responses were similar across BMI categories ( < 25.25–29.99 , ≥30 kg/m2 ) with the exception of a small change at 12-months in serum ACa in overweight compared to non-overweight participants ( P = .01 , ANOVA ; 1,000 I.U. group ) . In the  placebo group , 25(OH)D peak concentration change ( winter to summer ) was negatively associated with weight ( r = −.268 ) , BMI ( r = −.198 ) , total ( r = −.278 ) and trunk fat mass ( r = −.251 ) , with total and trunk fat mass predictive of winter to summer 25(OH)D change ( P = .01/.004 respectively , linear regression ) . Conclusion We found no evidence of an improvement in physical function following vitamin D3 supplementation for 1 year BACKGROUND Nutrition support in orthopedic patients with malnutrition shortens the immobilization period . The efficacy of calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate ( CaHMB ) , vitamin D , and protein intake on bone structure is studied and well known ; however , there is no evidence supporting the effect of combined use in orthopedic conditions . We investigated the effects of CaHMB , vitamin D , and protein supplementation on wound healing , immobilization period , muscle strength , and laboratory parameters . MATERIAL S AND METHODS This r and omized controlled study included 75 older female patients with a hip fracture admitted to orthopedic clinics . The control group received st and ard postoperative nutrition . The study group received an enteral product containing 3 g CaHMB , 1000 IU vitamin D , and 36 g protein , in addition to st and ard postoperative nutrition . Anthropometric , laboratory , wound-healing , immobilization period , and muscle strength assessment s were evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative days 15 and 30 . RESULTS Wound-healing period was significantly shorter in the CaHMB/vitamin D/protein group than in the control group ( P < .05 ) . The number of patients in the CaHMB/vitamin D/protein group who were mobile on days 15 and 30 ( 81.3 % ) was significantly higher than patients in the control group , who were mobile on days 15 and 30 ( 26.7 % ) ( P = .001 ) . Muscle strength on day 30 was significantly higher in the CaHMB/vitamin D/protein group vs the control group . CONCLUSION Nutrition of elderly patients  with a CaHMB/vitamin D/protein combination led to acceleration of wound healing , shortening of immobilization period , and increased muscle strength without changing body mass index . It also reduced dependence to bed and related complications after an orthopedic operation We evaluated the response of various muscle and bone adaptation parameters with 24 wk of strength training in healthy , early postmenopausal women when a nutrient supplement ( protein , carbohydrate , calcium , and vitamin D ) or a placebo supplement ( a minimum of energy ) was ingested immediately following each training session . At inclusion , each woman was r and omly and double-blindedly assigned to a nutrient group or a placebo ( control ) group .  Muscle hypertrophy was evaluated from biopsies , MRI , and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry ( DEXA ) scans , and muscle strength was determined in a dynamometer . Bone mineral density ( BMD ) was measured using DEXA scans , and bone turnover was determined from serum osteocalcin and collagen type I cross-linked carboxyl terminal peptide . The nutrient group improved concentric and isokinetic ( 60 degrees /s ) muscle strength from 6 to 24 wk by 9 + /- 3 % ( P < 0.01 ) , whereas controls showed no change ( 1 + /- 2 % , P > 0.05 ) . Only the nutrient group improved lean body mass ( P < 0.05 ) over the 24 wk . BMD responded similarly at the lumbar spine but changed differently in the two groups at the femoral neck ( P < 0.05 ) [ control : 0.943 + /- 0.028 to 0.930 + /- 0.024 g/mm(3 ) ( -1.0 + /- 1.4 % ) ; nutrient group : 0.953 + /- 0.051 to 0.978 + /- 0.043 g/mm(3 ) ( 3.8 + /- 3.4 % ) ] when adjusted for age , body mass index , and BMD at inclusion . Bone formation displayed an interaction ( P < 0.05 ) , mainly caused by increased osteocalcin at 24 wk in the nutrient group . In conclusion , we report that nutrient supplementation results in superior improvements in muscle mass , muscle strength , femoral neck BMD , and bone formation during 24 wk of strength training . The observed differences following such a short intervention emphasize the significance of postexercise nutrient supply on musculoskeletal maintenance Background Osteoarthritis ( OA ) is a common health issue worldwide in the aging population who are also commonly deficient in vitamin D. Our previous study suggested that higher serum 25-(OH)D levels were associated with reduced knee cartilage loss , implying that vitamin D supplementation may prevent the progression of knee OA . The aim of the VItamin D Effects on OA ( VIDEO ) study is to compare , over a 2- year period , the effects of vitamin D supplementation versus placebo on knee structural changes , knee pain , and lower limb muscle strength in patients with symptomatic knee OA . Methods / design R and omised , placebo-controlled , and double-blind clinical trial aim ing to recruit 400 subjects ( 200 from Tasmania and 200 from Victoria ) with both symptomatic knee OA and vitamin D deficiency ( serum [ 25-(OH)D ] level of > 12.5 nmol/liter and < 60 nmol/liter ) . Participants will be r and omly allocated to vitamin D supplementation ( 50,000 IU compounded vitamin D3 capsule monthly ) or identical inert placebo group for 2 years . The primary endpoint is loss of knee cartilage volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of OA ( WOMAC ) knee pain score . The secondary endpoints will be other knee structural changes , and lower limb muscle strength . Several other outcome measures including core muscle images and central blood pressure will be recorded . Linear and logistic regression will be used to compare changes between groups using univariable and multivariable modeling analyses . Both intention to treat and per protocol analyses will be utilized . Discussion The trial is design ed to test if vitamin D supplementation will reduce loss of knee cartilage volume , prevent the progression of other knee structural abnormalities , reduce knee pain and strengthen lower limb muscle strength , thus modify disease progression in knee OA.Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov identifier : NCT01176344 ; Australian New Zeal and Clinical Trials Registry : Background The role of vitamin D in management of depression is unclear . Results from observational and emerging r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) investigating the efficacy of vitamin D in depression lack consistency - with some suggesting a positive association while others show a negative or inconclusive association . Methods / Design The primary aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of RCTs to assess the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation versus placebo on depression symptoms measured by scales and the proportion of patients with symptomatic improvement according to the authors ’ original definition . Secondary aims include assessing the change in quality of life , adverse events and treatment discontinuation . We will conduct the systematic review and meta- analysis according to the recommendations of the Cochrane H and book for Systematic Review s of Interventions . We will search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials ( CENTRAL ) , MEDLINE ( 1966 to present ) , EMBASE ( 1980 to present ) , CINAHL ( 1982 to present ) , PsychINFO ( 1967 to present ) and Clinical Trials.gov . Unpublished work will be identified by search ing two major conferences : the International Vitamin Conference , the Anxiety Disorders and Depression Conference , while grey literature will be acquired by contacting authors of included studies . We will use the r and om-effects meta- analysis to synthesize the data by pooling the results of included studies . Discussion The results of this systematic review will be helpful in clarifying the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation and providing evidence to establish guidelines for implementation of vitamin D for depression in general practice and other relevant setting s. Study registration Unique identifier : CRD42013003849 Objective This study aims to investigate the effects of an aquatic exercise program ( HydrOS ) on neuromuscular function and falls among postmenopausal women . Methods One hundred eight postmenopausal women ( mean [ SD ] age , 58.8 [ 6.4 ] y ) were r and omly divided into the  control group ( CG ; n = 44 ) and the  aquatic exercise group  ( AEG ; n = 64 ) . Both groups received elementary calcium 500 mg/day and cholecalciferol 1,000 IU/day . For 24 weeks , the AEG participated in the aquatic exercise program , whereas the CG remained sedentary . The following variables were measured before and after the program : number of falls and fallers ( 7 mo before and after the intervention ) ; flexibility , using Wells ’ Sit- and -Reach Test ( FLEX ) ; static balance , using the Unipedal Stance Test ( UST ) ; mobility , using the Timed-Up- and -Go test ( TUG ) ; h and grip strength of the dominant h and ( HGS ) ; and maximal isometric strength of back extensor muscles ( SBE ) , strength of hip flexor muscles ( SHF ) , and strength of knee extensor muscles ( SKE ) . The muscle strength tests were considered the primary outcome , whereas the other neuromuscular tests , together with falls , were considered secondary outcomes . Results were significant when P ⩽ 0.05 . Results Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D significantly increased by 21 % in the CG and by 23 % in the AEG ( P < 0.001 ) . The number of falls and fallers after the program remained unchanged in the CG ; in the AEG , the mean number of falls decreased from 2.00 to 0.29 ( P < 0.0001 ) , and the number of fallers decreased by 44 % ( P < 0.0001 ) . All neuromuscular variables significantly improved in the AEG : FLEX ( 26.6 % ; P < 0.0001 ) , UST ( 14.1 % ; P < 0.001 ) , TUG ( 23.7 % ; P < 0.001 ) , HGS ( 13.4 % ; P < 0.001 ) , SBE ( 26.2 % ; P < 0.001 ) , SHF ( 18.5 % ; P = 0.039 ) , and SKE ( 7.7 % ; P < 0.001 ) . In the CG , significant improvements in FLEX ( 12.2 % ; P = 0.009 ) , UST ( 4.5 % ; P < 0.001 ) , TUG ( 10 % ; P < 0.001 ) , and SHF ( 5.7 % ; P = 0.039 ) were observed and could be explained by increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level attributable to supplementation . Conclusions The aquatic exercise program HydrOS is a safe and efficient way to improve physical function and to reduce falls among postmenopausal women There is an ongoing debate over the role of serum 25(OH ) vitamin D [ 25(OH)D ] levels in maintaining or improving physical performance and muscle strength . Much of the controversy is because of the variability between studies in participants ' characteristics , baseline serum 25(OH)D levels , and baseline physical functioning . The aim of this ancillary study conducted within a r and omized controlled clinical trial was to investigate whether supplementation with 400 or 2000 IU vitamin D3 daily for 6 months would improve measures of physical performance and muscle strength in a community-dwelling elderly population aged 65 to 95 years . Those with the slowest gait speed improved their ability to do chair-st and tests after vitamin D supplementation . This finding remained significant after controlling for potential confounding variables . There was also an inverse correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and fat mass index ( FMI ) among women , suggesting that higher supplementation with vitamin D is needed as weight increases . The results of this study suggest that supplementation with vitamin D may be most beneficial in older population s who have low baseline physical functioning Summary Postmenopausal women with osteopenia received green tea polyphenols ( GTP ) supplement and /or Tai Chi exercise for 6 months . Bone turnover biomarkers , calcium metabolism , and muscle strength were measured . This study showed that GTP supplementation and Tai Chi exercise increased bone formation biomarkers and improved bone turnover rate .  Tai Chi exercise increased serum parathyroid hormone .  GTP supplementation , Tai Chi exercise , and the combination of the two all improved muscle strength in postmenopausal women with osteopenia . Introduction This study evaluated the effect of GTP supplementation and Tai Chi ( TC ) exercise on serum markers of bone turnover ( bone-specific alkaline phosphatase , BAP , and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase , TRAP ) , calcium metabolism , and muscle strength in postmenopausal osteopenic women . Methods One hundred and seventy-one postmenopausal osteopenic women were r and omly assigned to four groups : ( 1 ) placebo ( 500 mg starch/day ) , ( 2 ) GTP ( 500 mg GTP/day ) , ( 3 ) placebo + TC ( placebo plus TC training at 60 min/session , three sessions/week ) , and ( 4 ) GTP + TC ( GTP plus TC training ) . Overnight fasting blood and urine sample s were collected at baseline , 1 , 3 , and 6 months for biomarker analyses . Muscle strength was evaluated at baseline , 3 , and 6 months . One hundred and fifty subjects completed the 6-month study . Results Significant increases in BAP level due to GTP intake ( at 1 month ) and TC ( at 3 months ) were observed . Significant increases in the change of BAP/TRAP ratio due to GTP ( at 3 months ) and TC ( at 6 months ) were also observed . Significant main effect of TC on the elevation in serum parathyroid hormone level was observed at 1 and 3 months . At 6 months , muscle strength significantly improved due to GTP , TC , and GTP + TC interventions . Neither GTP nor TC affected serum TRAP , serum and urinary calcium , and inorganic phosphate . Conclusion In summary , GTP supplementation and TC exercise  increased BAP and improved BAP/TRAP ratio .  TC exercise  increased serum parathyroid hormone .  GTP supplementation , TC exercise , and the combination of the two all improved muscle strength in postmenopausal women with osteopenia OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of combination estrogen/ and rogen therapy on muscle mass , strength and endurance , serum hormone and lipid profiles , and quality of life measures in postmenopausal women . METHODS Prospect i ve , r and omized , placebo-controlled pilot study at a tertiary care medical center . Fifty postmenopausal women were r and omized to a 12-week course of ( 1 ) dehydroepi and rostenedione ( DHEA ) 50 mg daily , ( 2 ) conjugated equine estrogen ( CEE ) 0.625 mg daily , ( 3 ) DHEA 50 mg+CEE 0.625 mg daily , or ( 4 ) placebo . Main outcome measures of lower extremity muscle ( calf ) mass , functional muscle parameters , serum hormone and lipid levels , and quality of life ( QOL ) were obtained at baseline and after treatment . Statistical analysis compared percent change from baseline values and treatment differences among outcomes . RESULTS Significant increases in mean DHEA , DHEA sulfate ( DHEA-S ) , testosterone , and and rostenedione levels were noted with DHEA alone or combined DHEA/CEE treatments when compared with placebo . Compared with no hormone therapy , none of the supplemental hormone groups caused significant changes in muscle mass , muscle strength , muscle endurance , feelings of well-being , sleep , or sexual function . CONCLUSIONS And rogen replacement therapy , with DHEA , to menopausal women increases serum and rogen levels without any appreciable effect on muscle cross-sectional area , muscle strength , muscle function , or improvement in health-related QOL Osteoporosis is a major public health issue leading to significant morbidity , loss of independence and excess loss of life . It has been estimated that 13 to 17 million postmenopausal women have low bone mass or osteoporosis ( 1 , 2 ) . This is associated with almost 1.5 million fractures annually , including 300,000 hip fractures ( 2 , 3 ) . A review of the evidence by Cumming in 1990 ( 4 ) and subsequently published r and omized clinical trials have shown that calcium and /or vitamin D supplements may play a role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by slowing the rates of bone loss in postmenopausal and elderly women ( 5–9 ) . However , there are a limited number of calcium and /or vitamin D trials ( 10–13 ) and observational studies [ review of evidence by Cumming and Nevitt ( 14 ) and Kanis ( 15 ) ] , to support a role for calcium and vitamin D supplementation in the reduction of hip and other fractures . It has also been suggested that calcium and vitamin D supplementation may play a role in the reduction of colorectal cancer incidence ( 16–21 ) . To address these major health concerns of postmenopausal women , the Calcium-Vitamin D ( CaD ) trial of the Women ’s Health Initiative ( WHI ) was design ed to test the primary hypothesis that women who are r and omized to receive calcium and vitamin D supplementation will have a lower risk of hip fracture and secondarily , a lower risk of all fractures and colorectal cancer than women receiving corresponding placebo . The objective of this paper is Calcium plus vitamin D ( CaD ) supplementation has a modest but significant effect on slowing loss of femoral bone mass and reducing risk of hip fractures in adherent postmenopausal women . The goal of this study was to determine if CaD supplementation influences hip structural parameters that are associated with fracture risk . We studied 1,970 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women ’s Health Initiative r and omized controlled trial of CaD at one of three bone mineral density ( BMD ) clinical centers . Hip structural analysis software measured BMD and strength parameters on DXA scans at three regions : femoral narrow neck , intertrochanter , and shaft . R and om effects models were used to test the average differences in hip BMD and geometry between intervention and placebo . There was greater preservation of hip BMD at the narrow neck with CaD relative to placebo across 6 years of intervention . CaD also altered the underlying cross-sectional geometry at the narrow neck in the direction of greater strength , with small increases in cross-sectional area and section modulus and a decrease in buckling ratio with CaD relative to placebo . While trends at both the intertrochanter and shaft regions were similar to those noted at the narrow neck , no significant intervention effects were evident . There was no significant interaction of  CaD and age or baseline calcium levels for hip structural properties . CaD supplementation is associated with modest beneficial effects on hip structural features at the narrow neck , which may explain some of the benefit of CaD in reducing hip fracture risk Aging is associated with increased arterial stiffness ( pulse wave velocity , PWV ) and muscle strength/mass loss . Exercise training alone is not always effective to improve PWV and lean mass ( LM ) in older women . To investigate the independent and combined effects of whole-body vibration training ( WBVT ) and L-citrulline supplementation on PWV and muscle function in women , forty-one postmenopausal women aged 58 ± 3 years and body mass index ( 34 ± 2 kg/m(2 ) ) were r and omly assigned to the following groups : WBVT , L-citrulline , and WBVT + L-citrulline for 8 weeks . WBVT consisted of four leg exercises three times weekly . Aortic ( cfPWV ) and leg ( faPWV ) PWV , leg LM index , leg strength , and body fat percentage ( BF% ) were measured before and after the interventions . WBVT + L-citrulline  decreased cfPWV ( -0.91 ± 0.21 m/s , P < 0.01 ) compared to both groups . All interventions decreased faPWV ( P < 0.05 ) similarly . Leg LM index increased ( 2.7 ± 0.5 % , P < 0.001 ) after WBVT + L-citrulline compared with L-citrulline . Both WBVT  interventions increased leg strength ( ~37 % , P < 0.001 ) compared to L-citrulline while decreased BF% ( ~2.0 % , P < 0.01 ) . Reductions in cfPWV were correlated with increases in leg LM index ( r = -0.63 , P < 0.05 ) . Our findings suggest that leg muscle strength and arterial stiffness can be improved after WBVT , but its combination with L-citrulline supplementation enhanced benefits on aortic stiffness and leg LM  . Therefore , WBVT + L-citrulline could be an intervention for improving arterial stiffness and leg muscle function in obese postmenopausal women with prehypertension or hypertension , thereby reducing their cardiovascular and disability risk BACKGROUND Age-related losses of muscle mass , strength , and function ( sarcopenia ) pose significant threats to physical performance , independence , and quality of life . Nutritional supplementation could positively influence aspects of sarcopenia and thereby prevent mobility disability . OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that a specific oral nutritional supplement can result in improvements in measures of sarcopenia . DESIGN A multicenter , r and omized , controlled , double-blind , 2 parallel-group trial among 380 sarcopenic primarily independent-living older adults with Short Physical Performance Battery ( SPPB ; 0 - 12 ) scores between 4 and 9 , and a low skeletal muscle mass index . The active group ( n = 184 ) received a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement to consume twice daily for 13 weeks . The control group ( n = 196 ) received an iso-caloric control product to consume twice daily for 13 weeks . Primary outcomes of h and grip strength and SPPB score , and secondary outcomes of chair-st and test , gait speed , balance score , and appendicular muscle mass ( by DXA ) were measured at baseline , week 7 , and week 13 of the intervention . RESULTS H and grip strength and SPPB improved in both groups without significant between-group differences . The active group improved more in the chair-st and test compared with the control group , between-group effect ( 95 % confidence interval ) : -1.01 seconds ( -1.77 to -0.19 ) , P = .018 . The active group gained more appendicular muscle mass than the control group , between-group effect : 0.17 kg ( 0.004 - 0.338 ) , P = .045 . CONCLUSIONS This 13-week intervention of a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein oral nutritional supplement result ed in improvements in muscle mass and lower-extremity function among sarcopenic older adults . This study shows proof-of-principle that specific nutritional supplementation alone might benefit geriatric patients , especially relevant for those who are unable to exercise . These results warrant further investigations into the role of a specific nutritional supplement as part of a multimodal approach to prevent adverse outcomes among older adults at risk for disability Summary Vitamin K2 may preserve bone strength and reduce fracture risk . In this r and omised double-blind placebo-controlled trial among healthy postmenopausal Norwegian women , 1 year supplementation of vitamin K2 in the form of Natto capsules had no effect on bone loss rates . Introduction Japanese studies indicate that vitamin K2 ( menaquinone-7 ( MK-7 ) ) intake may preserve bone strength , but this has not been documented in Europeans . The aim of this study was to assess the effect of MK-7 on bone mineral density ( BMD ) changes in postmenopausal Norwegian women . Methods Three hundred thirty-four healthy women between 50 and 60 years , 1–5 years after menopause , were recruited to a r and omised double-blind placebo-controlled trial . The participants were r and omly assigned into two groups , one receiving 360 µg MK-7 in the form of Natto capsules and the other the same amount of identical-looking placebo capsules containing olive oil . BMD was measured at total hip , femoral neck , lumbar spine and total body at baseline and 12 months together with serum levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase , Crosslaps , total osteocalcin ( N-mid OC ) , carboxylated ( cOC ) and under-carboxylated osteocalcin ( ucOC ) . Results After 12 months , there were no statistical differences in bone loss rates between the groups at the total hip or any other measurement site . Serum levels of cOC increased and ucOC decreased in the treatment versus the placebo group ( p < 0.001 ) . Conclusion MK-7 taken as Natto over 1 year reduced serum levels of ucOC but did not influence bone loss rates in early menopausal women
The present review demonstrates that vitamin D supplementation result ed in small but nonsignificant improvements in muscle strength compared to control in postmenopausal women .
No significant effect was observed in mobility after vitamin D administration
BACKGROUND The results obtained from previous trials regarding the effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength and mobility  in postmenopausal women have been inconsistent .
This systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) aim ed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength and mobility in postmenopausal women .