Effect of vitamin D supplementation on non-skeletal disorders: a systematic review of meta-analyses and randomised trials

This updated systematic review was conducted to determine whether an examination of the more recently published metaanalyses and trials would change previous conclusions about the effects of vitamin D supplementation on various health outcomes.

The updated systematic review of 35 meta-analyses (MA), and 202 articles on trials not included in MA noted the following:

 

• Current meta-analyses continue to support finding of a longer life expectancy after ordinary doses of vitamin D (20–30 µg/day) are given to middle-aged and older people, mainly when they are in hospital or living in an institution.

 

• Since previous review, evidence has emerged to show that vitamin D supplementation might prevent upper respiratory tract infections and asthma exacerbation episodes.

 

• For all other non-skeletal outcomes, the main conclusions have not changed since 2012. Most meta-analyses and trials have found no evidence that vitamin D supplementation has an effect on the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic conditions.