Vitamin D Supports Joint Health

Bookmark Print

Text Resize: T T Reset

11/1/04

By Kim Pryor

Higher levels of vitamin D increase muscle strength and improve physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to a recent study.

The study, reported at a press conference at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting, included 221 patients who had an average age of 67. The researchers measured changes in the subjects pain, physical function, muscle strength and serum vitamin D levels. The subjects were then placed into 2 groups, those who were vitamin-D deficient (at or below 20 ng/mL) and those who were not deficient (above 20 ng/mL). Patients were evaluated at least twice over 15 to 30 months.

The researchers found that 48 percent of the patients with lower vitamin D levels reported more pain and disability than those in the non-deficient group. Changes in vitamin D status over time were also associated with changes in disability. Patients who initially had adequate vitamin-D levels, but who experienced a decrease in vitamin D levels over time also experienced a worsening of disability. On the other hand, subjects whose vitamin D levels increased experienced an improvement in disability scores.

The researchers suggested that physicians test all patients who report symptoms of knee osteoarthritis for serum vitamin D levels, and then provide the simple therapeutic interventions, if needed,

Reference:
Hypovitaminosis D and its Association with Muscle Strength, Pain and Physical Function in Knee Osteoarthritis (OA): A 30-month Longitudinal, Observational Study. Abstract 1755. Presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting, San Antonio, October 18, 2004.