Effect of vitamin D supplementation on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo recurrence: A meta-analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis incorporating both randomized and non-randomized studies.
PubMed 34128742 · doi:10.1177/00368504211024569
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic search and meta-analysis across multiple databases to assess whether vitamin D supplementation reduces recurrence in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) who have vitamin D deficiency. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane evaluation system or Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models.
What was found
Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, covering 602 participants in the vitamin D supplementation group and 731 in the control group (total n = 1,333). Under a random-effects model, vitamin D supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in BPPV recurrence compared to no supplementation (RR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.65, p < 0.01).
Why it matters
BPPV is prone to frequent recurrence; these findings suggest that identifying and correcting vitamin D deficiency provides a targeted non-pharmacological strategy to reduce repeat vertigo episodes.
Limits
The meta-analysis included non-randomized studies alongside randomized trials, introducing potential confounding. The abstract does not specify dosing regimens, duration of supplementation, baseline or achieved serum vitamin D levels, or heterogeneity statistics.
Cited by
- partial Loose otolith calcium crystals in the inner ear that cause dizziness can be treated with vitamin D and K2.