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 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 vitamin D supplementation upon musculoskeletal health in postmenarchal females. A randomized study on the effect of vitamin D₃ supplementation on skeletal muscle morphology and vitamin D receptor concentration in older women. Effects of Enhanced Exercise and Combined Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Chinese Women. A randomized controlled trial of the effects of vitamin D on muscle strength and mobility in older women with vitamin D insufficiency. Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Mass, and Physical Performance in Women with Vitamin D Insufficiency: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial 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. Physical performance and life quality in postmenopausal women supplemented with vitamin D: a two-year prospective study Effects of three-monthly oral 150,000 IU cholecalciferol supplementation on falls, mobility, and muscle strength in older postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Lean Mass, Muscle Strength, and Bone Mineral Density During Weight Loss: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Muscle strength, functional mobility and vitamin D in older women Vitamin D supplementation improves neuromuscular function in older people who fall. Effect of isolated vitamin D supplementation on the rate of falls and postural balance in postmenopausal women fallers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Low-Dose Vitamin D Prevents Muscular Atrophy and Reduces Falls and Hip Fractures in Women after Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial A 2-Year Follow-Up After a 2-Year RCT with Vitamin D and Exercise: Effects on Falls, Injurious Falls and Physical Functioning Among Older Women
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 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 CONTEXT There has been a resurgence of vitamin D deficiency rickets throughout the developed world , with infants and adolescents being primarily affected . Adolescence is a crucial period for muscle and bone mineral accumulation . OBJECTIVE The aim was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the adolescent musculoskeletal system . DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a community-based , double-blind , r and omized controlled trial in a secondary school . PARTICIPANTS Postmenarchal 12- to 14-yr-old females participated in the trial . Ninety-nine were screened , 73 were included in r and omized controlled trial , and 69 completed the trial . There were no adverse events . INTERVENTION Four doses of 150,000 IU vitamin D(2 ) ( ergocalciferol ) were given over 1 yr . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry , peripheral quantitative computed tomography , and jumping mechanography were used . RESULTS At follow-up , 25-hydroxyvitamin D [ 25(OH)D ] status was 56.0 ± 8.9 nmol/liter in the intervention group and 15.8 ± 6.6 nmol/liter in controls . There were no effects of supplementation on bone ; however , for muscle function , efficiency of movement improved in the vitamin D-treated group . There was an interaction between baseline 25(OH)D concentration and response to vitamin D supplementation for muscle jump velocity . CONCLUSIONS Despite improvements in 25(OH)D status , treatment with vitamin D(2 ) was not shown to increase mineral accretion , bone geometry or strength , muscle force , or power . There were greater increases in jump velocity in girls with the lowest baseline 25(OH)D concentrations . Lack of effect of intervention after the period of peak mineral and muscle mass accretion suggests that earlier action is required CONTEXT Studies examining whether vitamin D supplementation increases muscle mass or muscle-specific vitamin D receptor ( VDR ) concentration are lacking . OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine whether vitamin D₃ 4000 IU/d alters muscle fiber cross-sectional area ( FCSA ) and intramyonuclear VDR concentration over 4 months . DESIGN AND SETTING This was a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study in a single center . PARTICIPANTS Participants were 21 mobility-limited women ( aged ≥ 65 years ) with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( 25OHD ) levels of 22.5 to 60 nmol/L. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Baseline and 4-month FCSA and intramyonuclear VDR were measured from vastus lateralis muscle cross-sections probed for muscle fiber type ( I/IIa/IIx ) and VDR using immunofluorescence . RESULTS At baseline , mean ( ±SD ) age was 78 ± 5 years ; body mass index was 27 ± 5 kg/m² , 25OHD was 46.3 ± 9.5 nmol/L , and  a short physical performance battery score was 7.95 ± 1.57 out of 12 . At 4 months , 25OHD level was 52.5 ± 17.1 ( placebo ) vs 80.0 ± 11.5 nmol/L ( vitamin D [ VD ] ; P < .01 ) , and change in 25OHD level was strongly associated with percent change in intramyonuclear VDR concentration-independent of group ( r = 0.87 , P < .001 ) . By treatment group , percent change in intramyonuclear VDR concentration was 7.8 % ± 18.2 % ( placebo ) vs 29.7 % ± 11.7 % ( VD ; P = .03 ) with a more pronounced group difference in type II vs I fibers . Percent change in total ( type I/II ) FCSA was -7.4 % ± 18.9 % ( placebo ) vs 10.6 % ± 20.0 % ( VD ; P = .048 ) . CONCLUSION Vitamin D₃ supplementation  increased intramyonuclear VDR concentration by 30 % and increased muscle fiber size by 10 % in older , mobility-limited , vitamin D-insufficient women . Further work is needed to determine whether the observed effect of vitamin D on fiber size is mediated by the VDR and to identify which signaling pathways are involved 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 BACKGROUND vitamin D supplementation reduces the incidence of fractures in older adults . This may be partly mediated by effects of vitamin D on neuromuscular function . OBJECTIVE to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on aspects of neuromuscular function known to be risk factors for falls and fractures . DESIGN r and omised , double-blind , placebo-controlled study . SETTING falls clinic taking referrals from general practitioners and accident and emergency department . SUBJECTS 139 ambulatory subjects ( > /=65 years ) with a history of falls and 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( 25OHD ) < /=12 microg/l . INTERVENTION patients were r and omised to receive a single intramuscular injection of 600,000 i.u . ergocalciferol or placebo . OUTCOME MEASURES assessment s including biochemistry , postural sway , choice reaction time ( CRT ) , aggregate functional performance time ( AFPT ) , and quadriceps strength were carried out at baseline and 6 months post-intervention . RESULTS baseline characteristics were comparable between both groups . 25OHD in the treatment group increased significantly at 6 months . AFPT deteriorated in the control group and improved in the intervention group , representing a significant difference between groups ( + 6.6 s versus -2.0 s , t = 2.80 , P < 0.05 ) . Similar changes were observed for CRT ( -0.06 s versus + 0.41 s , t = -2.52 , P < 0.01 ) and postural sway ( + 0.0025 versus -0.0138 , t = 2.35 , P < 0.02 ) . There was no significant difference in muscle strength change between groups ( -10 N versus -2 N , t = -1.26 , ns ) . A significant correlation between change in AFPT and change in 25OHD levels was observed ( r = 0.19 , P = 0.03 ) . There was no significant difference in the number of falls ( 0.39 versus 0.24 , t = 1.08 , P = 0.28 ) or fallers ( 14 versus 11 , P = 0.52 ) between two groups . CONCLUSIONS vitamin D supplementation , in fallers with vitamin D insufficiency , has a significant beneficial effect on functional performance , reaction time and balance , but not muscle strength . This suggests that vitamin D supplementation improves neuromuscular or neuroprotective function , which may in part explain the mechanism whereby vitamin D reduces falls and fractures Objective : To evaluate the effect of isolated vitamin D supplementation ( VITD ) on the rate of falls and postural balance in postmenopausal women fallers . Methods : In this double-blind , placebo-controlled trial , 160 Brazilian younger postmenopausal women were r and omized into two groups : VITD group , vitamin D3 supplementation 1,000 IU/day/orally ( n = 80 ) and placebo group ( n = 80 ) . Women with amenorrhea at least 12 months , age 50 to 65 years , and a history of falls ( previous 12 months ) were included . Those with neurological or musculoskeletal disorders , vestibulopathies , drugs use that could affect balance and osteoporosis were excluded . The intervention time was 9 months . Postural balance was assessed by stabilometry ( computerized force platform ) and investigation on the occurrence/recurrence of falls was performed by interviews . The plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [ 25(OH)D ] was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography . Statistical analysis was achieved by intention-to-treat , using analysis of variance , Student 's t test , Tukey test , chi-square , and logistic regression . Results : After 9 months , mean values of 25(OH)D increased from 15.0 ± 7.5 ng/mL to 27.5 ± 10.4 ng/mL ( + 45.4 % ) in the VITD group , and decreased from 16.9 ± 6.7 ng/mL to 13.8 ± 6.0 ng/mL ( −18.5 % ) in the placebo group ( P < 0.001 ) . The occurrence of falls was higher in the placebo group ( + 46.3 % ) with an adjusted risk of 1.95 ( 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] 1.23 - 3.08 ) times more likely to fall and 2.80 ( 95 % CI 1.43 - 5.50 ) times higher for recurrent falls compared to the VITD group ( P < 0.001 ) . There was reduction in body sway by stabilometry , with lower amplitude of antero-posterior ( −35.5 % ) and latero-lateral ( −37.0 % ) oscillation , only in the VITD group ( P < 0.001 ) . Conclusions : In Brazilian postmenopausal women fallers  , isolated vitamin D supplementation for 9 months result ed in a lower incidence of falls and improvement in postural balance OBJECTIVE Vitamin D supplementation is suggested to reduce the risk of falls among ambulatory or institutionalized elderly subjects . The present study was undertaken to address the reduced risk of falls and hip fractures in patients with long-st and ing stroke by vitamin D supplementation . METHODS Ninety-six elderly women with poststroke hemiplegia were followed for two years . Patients were r and omly assigned to one of the two groups , and 48 patients received 1,000 IU ergocalciferol daily , and the remaining 48 received placebo . The number of falls per person and incidence of hip fractures were compared between the two groups . Strength and tissue ATPase of skeletal muscles on the nonparetic side were assessed before and after the study . RESULTS At baseline , serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were in the deficient range ( < 10 ng/ml ) in all patients ; and vitamin D treatment enhanced serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels .  Vitamin D treatment accounted for a 59 % reduction in falls ( 95 % CI , 28 - 81 % ; p = 0.003 ) . There were increases in the relative number and size of type II muscle fibers and improved muscle strength in the vitamin D-treated group . Hip fractures occurred in 4 of 48 placebo group and 0 in 48 vitamin D2 group during the 2-year study period ( log-rank , p = 0.049 ) . CONCLUSION Vitamin D may increase muscle strength by improving atrophy of type II muscle fibers , which may lead to decreased falls and hip fractures Abstract Background Both exercise and vitamin D are recommended means to prevent falls among older adults , but their combined effects on fall-induced injuries are scarcely studied . Methods A 2-year follow-up of a previous 2-year r and omized controlled trial with vitamin D and exercise ( Ex ) of 409 older home-dwelling women using a factorial 2 × 2 design ( D−Ex− , D+Ex− , D−Ex+ , D+Ex+ ) . Besides monthly fall diaries , femoral neck bone mineral density ( fn-BMD ) , and physical functioning were assessed at 1 and 2 years after the intervention . Results After the intervention , S-25OHD concentrations declined to baseline levels in both supplement groups . The groups did not differ for change in fn-BMD or physical functioning , except for leg extensor muscle strength , which remained about 10 % greater in the exercise groups compared with the reference group ( D−Ex− ) . There were no between-group differences in the rate of all falls , but medically attended injurious falls reduced in D+Ex− and D−Ex+ groups compared with D−Ex−. However , all former treatment groups had less medically attended injured fallers , HRs ( 95 % CI ) being 0.62 ( 0.39–1.00 ) for D+Ex− , 0.46 ( 0.28–0.76 ) for D−Ex+ , and 0.55 ( 0.34–0.88 ) for D+Ex+ , compared with D−Ex−. Conclusions Exercise-induced benefits in physical functioning partly remained 2 years after cessation of supervised training . Although there was no difference in the rate of all falls , former exercise groups continued to have lower rate of medically attended injured fallers compared with referents even 2 years after the intervention . Vitamin D without exercise was associated with less injurious falls with no difference in physical functioning
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 .