Effect of cholecalciferol and calcium supplementation on muscle strength and energy metabolism in vitamin D-deficient Asian Indians: a randomized, controlled trial

P>Context Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide. Vitamin D supplementation has shown variable effect on skeletal muscle strength in the elderly with hypovitaminosis D. There is a paucity of similar data in young individuals. Objective To study the effect of cholecalciferol and calcium supplementation on muscle strength and energy metabolism in young individuals. Subjects Forty healthy volunteers (24M/16F, mean age (SD) 31 center dot 5 +/- 5 center dot 0 year) with hypovitaminosis D were randomized to either oral cholecalciferol (60 000 IU D3/week for 8 weeks followed by 60 000 IU/month for 4 months) with 1 g of elemental calcium daily or dual placebos for 6 months. Measurements Handgrip and gastro-soleus dynamometry, pinch-grip strength, respiratory pressures, 6-min walk-test and muscle energy metabolism on 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Results The mean serum 25(OH)D in the supplemented and placebo groups at baseline, two and 6 months were 25 center dot 4 +/- 9 center dot 9, 94 center dot 5 +/- 53 center dot 8 and 56 center dot 0 +/- 17 center dot 0 nm, and 21 center dot 1 +/- 9 center dot 4, 32 center dot 8 +/- 14 center dot 4 and 29 center dot 7 +/- 15 center dot 0 nm, respectively. The supplemented group gained a handgrip strength of 2 center dot 4 kg (95% C.I. = 1 center dot 2-3 center dot 6); gastro-soleus strength of 3 center dot 0 Nm (95% C.I. = 0 center dot 1-5 center dot 9) and walking distance of 15 center dot 9 m (95% C.I. = 6 center dot 3-25 center dot 5) over the placebo group after adjustment for age, gender and respective baseline parameters. Muscle energy parameters were comparable at 6 months. Conclusions Six months of cholecalciferol and calcium supplementation results in enhanced skeletal muscle strength and physical performance despite no change in muscle energy parameters. Cholecalciferol supplementation of 60 000 IU per month could not maintain 25(OH)D levels in the sufficient range.