The Role of Vitamin D Supplementation in Enhancing Muscle Strength Post-Surgery: A Systemic Review

• Published in: Nutrients Vol. 17; no. 9; p. 1512
• Main Authors: Wang, James Jia-Dong, Quak, Glenys Shu-Wei, Lee, Hui-Bing, Foo, Li-Xin, Tay, Phoebe, Mah, Shi-Min, Tong, Cherie, Koh, Frederick Hong-Xiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 29.04.2025; MDPI
• Subjects: Alfacalcidol; Calcifediol; Cohort analysis; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Joint surgery; Male; Medical Subject Headings-MeSH; Metabolism; Muscle recovery; Muscle strength; Muscle Strength - drug effects; Muscle, Skeletal - drug effects; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthopedics; Physiology; Postoperative period; Surgical outcomes; Systematic Review; Vitamin D; Vitamin D - administration & dosage; Vitamin D - pharmacology; Vitamin deficiency; Singapore; muscle strength; general surgery; supplementation; postoperative care; orthopaedic surgery; vitamin D
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu17091512

Background: Vitamin D is vital for musculoskeletal health, with emerging evidence highlighting its role in muscle function. While its preoperative and postoperative benefits for bone health are well documented, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on post-surgical muscle recovery remains underexplored. This systematic review consolidates current evidence on the impact of vitamin D supplementation in enhancing muscle strength following surgery. Methods: This review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted, covering articles from inception to 15 January 2025. Studies evaluating the effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength in surgical contexts were included. Data extraction focused on study design, population demographics, vitamin D dosage, timing, and measured outcomes. A narrative synthesis was performed due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes. Results: From 701 initial records, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that vitamin D supplementation, particularly high-dose regimens administered preoperatively or early postoperatively, significantly improves muscle strength and functional outcomes in orthopaedic surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, and bariatric surgeries. The benefits varied by surgical type, baseline vitamin D levels, and supplementation strategy. However, inconsistent dosing regimens and limited long-term follow-up studies hinder conclusive evidence. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation demonstrates potential in enhancing post-surgical muscle recovery and functional outcomes. Tailored supplementation strategies, based on patient-specific needs and surgical context, are essential. Future research should address optimal dosing regimens and evaluate long-term impacts on recovery and quality of life.