title: A meta-analysis of high dose, intermittent vitamin D supplementation among older adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The effects of intermittent, high dose vitamin D treatment in older adults have not been documented. We conducted a meta-analysis to provide a quantitative assessment of the efficiency of intermittent, high dose vitamin D treatment on falls, fractures, and mortality among older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on high dose, intermittent vitamin D supplementation among older adults. Two researchers independently screened the literature according to specified inclusive and exclusive criteria to extract the data. Meta-analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.1.0 software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine trials were included in this meta-analysis. High dose, intermittent vitamin D therapy did not decrease all-cause mortality among older adults. The risk ratio (95% CI) was 1.04 (0.91-1.17). No benefit was seen in fracture or fall prevention. The risk ratio for hip fractures (95% CI) was 1.17 (0.97-1.41) while for non-vertebral fractures (95% CI) it was 1.06 (0.91-1.22), and the risk ratio for falls (95% CI) was 1.02 (0.96-1.08). Results remained robust after sensitivity analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supplementation of intermittent, high dose vitamin D may not be effective in preventing overall mortality, fractures, or falls among older adults. The route of administration of vitamin D supplements may well change the physiological effects.
authors.affiliation: College of Humanities and Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
authors.forename: Ya Ting
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: College of Humanities and Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
authors.forename: Qi Qi
authors.initials: QQ
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.affiliation: College of Humanities and Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
authors.forename: Yi Min
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.affiliation: College of Humanities and Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
authors.forename: Wei Guang
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Yao
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009026:Mortality; D016017:Odds Ratio; D017594:Publication Bias; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D