This meta-analysis combined data from eight randomized controlled trials involving 617 patients on maintenance hemodialysis. The researchers looked at whether taking nutritional vitamin D helped compared to a placebo. They measured markers of inflammation, blood protein levels, and bone health hormones.
The study found that patients taking vitamin D had a significant decrease in C-reactive protein, a common marker of inflammation. This reduction was seen regardless of whether patients started with low vitamin D levels or normal levels. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation led to higher serum albumin levels and lower parathyroid hormone levels.
Safety was a key concern. The overall rate of adverse reactions was similar between the vitamin D group and the control group. There were no significant differences in the risk of high calcium or high phosphorus levels between the two groups. The authors suggest this treatment may improve microinflammation and nutritional status in hemodialysis patients.