Fundamental & clinical pharmacology
Vitamin D Supplementation and Mortality in the Elderly: A Review of a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Using the REB Method
By Kostakis N, Lega JC and Boussageon R.
Abstract
Background
The results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effect of vitamin D supplementation on mortality reduction are conflicting.
Objective
The aim of this study was to assess the level of evidence through a sensitivity analysis of the meta-analysis by Shah et al. (2024) using the Rebuilt the Evidence Base (REB) method.
Methods
The main inclusion criterion was a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT design. The exclusion criteria were trials combining vitamin D with other nutrients and unpublished RCTs. The main outcome was all-cause mortality. A bias analysis was performed, followed by a hypothetico-deductive analysis to determine the confirmatory or exploratory nature of each RCT. The REB method was used to interpret the results and assess the level of evidence.