Published online Dec 9, 2014. doi: 10.5497/wjp.v3.i4.199
Revised: September 22, 2014
Accepted: October 14, 2014
Published online: December 9, 2014
AIM: To examine whether vitamin D is of potential relevance in the healing process of fractures.
METHODS: The present narrative review examined the bulk of the evidence based literature on the topic of vitamin D and bone healing in key electronic data bases from 1980 onwards using the terms vitamin D and bone healing, callus, fracture healing. All data were examined carefully and categorized according to type of study. A summary of the diverse terms and approaches employed in the research, as well as the rationale for hypothesizing vitamin D has a role in fracture healing was detailed.
RESULTS: The results show very few human studies have been conducted to examine if vitamin D is effective at promoting post fracture healing, and the different animal models that have been studied provide no consensus on this topic. The terms used in the related literature, as well as the methods used to arrive at conclusions on this clinical issue are highly diverse, there is no standardization of either of these important terms and methodologies, hence no conclusive statements or clinical guidelines can be forthcoming. There is a strong rational for continuing to examine if vitamin D supplements should be administered post-fracture, and ample evidence vitamin D is an essential hormone for functioning in general, as well as bone health and muscle as this relates to bone density.
CONCLUSION: Whether those with low vitamin D levels can benefit from supplements if their nutritional practices do not cover recommended daily amounts, remains in question.
Core tip: This work describes the status of research on the role of vitamin D in bone healing, and offers suggestions for future research and current clinical practice.