VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION AND FUNCTIONAL KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS PROGRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH OBESITY: DATA FROM THE OSTEOARTHRITIS INITIATIVE

Objective: Older adults with obesity are at increased risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and vitamin D deficiency, but data on the effect of vitamin D supplementation in this population are equivocal. This study evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on functional progression of KOA in older adults with obesity. Participants with Body Mass Index ≥30 kg/m2 and aged ≥ 60 years from the Osteoarthritis Initiative progression cohort were stratified by baseline vitamin D use. The relationship between vitamin D supplementation and progression of KOA at 72 months was characterized. The Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scale was the primary outcome measure. Secondary measures included: WOMAC disability, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, gait speed and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scales. In older adults with KOA and obesity, baseline supplemental vitamin D use did not predict functional progression of osteoarthritis at 72 months.