Global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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Muhammad Iqhrammullah, Juan Fransiscus Wira, Samuel Partogi Nababan, Eunice Rima Christy Oey, Seba Talat Al-Gunaid, Andhika Citra Buana, Naufal Gusti, Muhammad Habiburrahman, Radi Muharris Mulyana

2026 Nutrition and Health Vol. 32 Issue 1 Review Cited by 1 SDG 3SDG 17 Quartile

Abstract

Background: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels affect bone remodeling, contributing to the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with knee OA. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Europe PMC, Google Scholar, Scopus, Scilit, and Web of Science for studies published until 8 August 2024 that reported the prevalence and contributing factors of hypovitaminosis D in knee OA patients. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A random-effect meta-analysis with Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation estimated the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Results: Out of 1695 records identified, 26 studies (n = 4248 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 56.72% (95% CI: 46.93–66.25). No significant difference was observed across publication periods of 2015–2019 (p = 0.465) and 2020–2024 (p = 0.407). Patients with an average body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m² had a higher prevalence (65.62%, 95% CI: 49.23–80.32) compared to those with BMI <28 kg/m² (37.63%, 95% CI: 24.72–51.48). The prevalence was significantly higher in European countries (65.92%, 95% CI: 47.17–82.43) than in the USA (p = 0.046). In Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, prevalences were 60.96% (95% CI: 42.32–78.08) and 63.11% (95% CI: 43.8–80.47), respectively. Conclusion: Over half of knee OA patients had vitamin D deficiency, with higher prevalence in Europe and among individuals with obesity. Targeted screening for 25(OH)D levels in knee OA patients is recommended. © The Author(s) 2025

Affiliations

Universitas Muhammadiyah Aceh, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Jambi, Jambi, Indonesia; Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia; Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Departement of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, University of Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia

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