Narrative Review of Vitamin D and its Health Enhancing Potential in Older Sarcopenic Adults with or at Risk for Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia, a well-established aging correlate impacting muscle and bone mass deficits induces widespread and seemingly intractable and progressive negative impacts on health and longevity in all parts of the world, especially, among older adults with chronic health conditions.

Aim: The first aim of this article was to examine, summarize, synthesize, and report on the health condition osteoarthritis and its impact and sarcopenic attributes. A second was to uncover if vitamin-D may avert this age associated muscle strength and mass declines in older cases with osteoarthritis. A third was to provide directives for researchers or professionals who work or are likely to work in this realm in the future.

Methods: All English language relevant publications detailing the possible efficacy of vitamin D as an intervention strategy for minimizing sarcopenia in osteoarthritis cases as published between 2020-2025. Relevant articles were carefully examined and those meeting the review criteria were carefully read, and described in narrative form.

Results: Collectively, these data reveal vitamin D is a powerful steroid like compound that is required by the body to help many life affirming physiological functions, including optimal muscle and bone mass processes, but its deficiency may seriously impact the health status and well being of the older adult and others, especially those suffering from sarcopenia.

Conclusion: Since vitamin D is not manufactured by the body directly, ensuring those older adults at high risk for multiple disabling osteoarthritis disease outcomes have access to safe vitamin D exposures may expect clients will benefit physically as well as mentally.