Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) has some scientific basis for use in supporting or treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the evidence is limited and inconsistent. Vitamin D is known for its role in calcium metabolism and immune regulation. Observational studies have shown that people with RA often have lower serum vitamin D levels compared to healthy controls, and deficiency has been associated with increased disease activity and more severe symptoms. Furthermore, vitamin D receptors are expressed on immune cells, and vitamin D modulates immune responses, suggesting a potential mechanism by which it could influence autoimmune conditions like RA.

Several small randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have evaluated whether vitamin D supplementation can improve RA symptoms or reduce disease activity. Some studies have noted modest improvements in pain or inflammatory markers in those who were vitamin D deficient at baseline. However, many other trials have found no significant effect of supplementation on clinical outcomes such as joint swelling, morning stiffness, or progression of the disease. Current guidelines do not recommend vitamin D supplementation specifically for RA treatment unless there is a deficiency.

In summary, while vitamin D deficiency is more common in RA patients and some mechanistic rationale exists, the overall scientific evidence supporting vitamin D supplementation as a treatment for RA is weak (rated 2/5). Supplementation is primarily justified to prevent deficiency and support general bone health rather than to directly treat RA.

More about Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
More about Rheumatoid Arthritis

Products containing Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.