Influence of vitamin D supplementation on fracture risk, bone mineral density and bone biochemistry in Mongolian schoolchildren: multicenter double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Ganmaa Davaasambuu , Khudyakov Polyna , Buyanjargal Uyanga , Tserenkhuu Enkhtsetseg , Erdenenbaatar Sumiya , Achtai Chuluun-Erdene , Yansan Narankhuu , Delgererekh Baigal , Ankhbat Munkhzaya , Tsendjav Enkhjargal , Ochirbat Batbayar , Jargalsaikhan Badamtsetseg , Davaasambuu Enkhmaa , Martineau Adrian R 
Published: May 2023

Background

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of vitamin D supplementation to reduce fracture risk in children are lacking.

Methods

We conducted a Phase 3 RCT of weekly oral supplementation with 14,000 IU vitamin D3for 3 years in Mongolian schoolchildren aged 6-13 years. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations and the proportion of participants reporting ≥1 fracture were secondary outcomes for the main trial. Radial bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed in a nested sub-study, with serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) determined in a subset of participants.

Findings

8851 children were enrolled in the main trial, of whom 1465 also participated in the sub-study. Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent at baseline (25[OH]D <20 ng/mL in 90.1%). The intervention elevated 25(OH)D concentrations (adjusted inter-arm mean difference [aMD] 20.3 ng/mL, 95% CI 19.9 to 20.6) and suppressed PTH concentrations (aMD −13.6 pmol/L, 95% CI −23.5 to −3.7), but it did not influence fracture risk (adjusted risk ratio 1.10, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.29, P=0.27) or radial BMD z-score (aMD −0.06, 95% CI −0.18 to 0.07, P=0.36). Vitamin D suppressed serum BALP concentrations more among participants with baseline 25(OH)D concentrations <10 vs. ≥10 ng/mL (Pinteraction=0.04). However, effects of the intervention on fracture risk and radial BMD were not modified by baseline vitamin D status (Pinteraction≥0.67).

Interpretation

Weekly oral vitamin D supplementation elevated serum 25(OH)D concentrations and suppressed PTH concentrations in vitamin D-deficient schoolchildren in Mongolia. However, this was not associated with reduced fracture risk or increased radial BMD.

Funding

National Institutes of Health

RESEARCH IN CONTEXT

EVIDENCE BEFORE THIS STUDY

We searched PubMed from inception to 31stDecember 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating effects of vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in HIV-uninfected schoolchildren. A meta-analysis of data from 884 participants in six RCT reported no statistically significant effects of vitamin D on total body BMC, hip BMD, or forearm BMD, but a trend towards a small positive effect on lumbar spine BMD. RCT investigating fracture outcomes were lacking, as were RCT investigating effects of vitamin D on bone outcomes in children with baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations <20 ng/mL.

ADDED VALUE OF THIS STUDY

This is the first RCT to investigate effects of vitamin D supplementation on fracture risk and BMD in Mongolian schoolchildren. Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent among the study population at baseline, and weekly oral supplementation with 14,000 IU vitamin D3for 3 years elevated serum 25(OH)D concentrations into the physiologic range and suppressed serum PTH concentrations. However, the intervention did not influence fracture risk or radial BMD, either in the study population as a whole or in the large sub-group of participants with baseline serum 25(OH)D concentrations <10 ng/mL.

IMPLICATIONS OF ALL THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE

Taken together with null findings from another recenty-completed phase 3 RCT of weekly oral vitamin D supplementation conducted in South African schoolchildren, our findings do not support a role for vitamin D supplementation to reduce fracture risk or increase BMD in primary schoolchildren.