Vitamin D and calcium showed no clear overall bone-density benefit in adolescents with HIV
The trial found no statistically clear overall bone-density difference, with a favorable lumbar-spine result among participants who began with vitamin D insufficiency.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Vitamin D and calcium showed no statistically clear overall bone-density improvement. Participants with initial vitamin D insufficiency had a favorable lumbar-spine result. Evidence that effects differed by starting vitamin D status was statistically significant for the lumbar spine, but not for the whole-body measure excluding the head. This finding does not establish benefit for all adolescents with HIV.
The overall adjusted estimates are internally inconsistent with their confidence intervals, so this abstract-based brief reports the authors' overall conclusion qualitatively. Muscle outcomes mentioned in the aim are not reported.
What researchers found
Standardized bone-density scores (Z scores)
At 48 weeks, vitamin D plus calcium versus placebo: whole-body bone mineral density excluding the head and lumbar-spine bone mineral apparent density.
A subgroup result with limits
Vitamin D insufficiency was a prespecified subgroup, so the lumbar-spine finding addressed a planned question. It remains a narrower result within a trial whose overall bone-density comparisons were not statistically significant.
Safety and clinical outcomes
The researchers observed no severe adverse events attributed to the study drugs. Bone-density scores were the reported outcomes; the abstract does not establish fracture prevention or a lasting increase in peak bone mass.
The original publication
Impact of high-dose vitamin D and calcium carbonate supplementation on bone density in adolescents living with HIV: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
Ferrand RA, Dzavakwa NV, Bandason T et al.
Lancet Child Adolesc Health · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41391456
- Record checked
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