A prospective evaluation of vitamin D levels and knee osteoarthritis risk: A cohort study

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder, and vitamin D deficiency is a potential modifiable risk factor. This study aimed to assess the association between serum vitamin D levels and knee OA in adults and evaluate the effect of vitamin D therapy on OA progression. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 100 patients with knee OA, aged 40-100 years, who met specific inclusion criteria. Patients were diagnosed with primary OA, and serum vitamin D levels were classified as deficient (< 20 ng/ml), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml), or normal (≥ 30 ng/ml). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score was used to assess symptom severity. Patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months to assess changes in X-rays, vitamin D levels, and WOMAC scores. Results: At baseline, 54% of patients were vitamin D deficient, 40% were insufficient, and 6% had normal levels. By the second follow-up, 98% had normal levels. The mean vitamin D level increased significantly over time (p