Vitamin D deficiency in individuals with a spinal cord injury: a literature review.

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review of studies investigating vitamin D status in individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

OBJECTIVES: Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency seems to be high in the general population. Little is known regarding such a deficiency in individuals with a SCI. This review aimed to examine the literature that investigated vitamin D status in this population.

SETTING: Switzerland.

METHODS: A literature review was performed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in individuals with a SCI and to determine the factors leading to deficiency.

RESULTS: Sixteen studies which met all the inclusion criteria were identified. All of these studies assessed total serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D status in individuals with an acute or chronic SCI. Overall, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency seems to be high (range: 32-93%) in this population compared with that in able-bodied persons. The main factors are immobility, low physical activity and bedrest, and therefore not enough exposure to sunlight. In addition, age, skin pigmentation, lesion level, occurrence of pressure ulcers, body mass index, season and latitude appeared to be further determinants for vitamin D deficiency. In athletes, playing their sport indoors or outdoors may have an additional role in developing vitamin D deficiency.

CONCLUSION: The available studies suggest that individuals with a SCI are at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. Nutritional strategies and supplementation recommendations need to be developed to prevent these conditions in SCI.

SPONSORSHIP: Not applicable.