Effect of short-term vitamin D supplementation after nonsurgical periodontal treatment: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Objectives This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation on the residual moderate and deep pockets following nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Background Vitamin D supplementation has potential effects on periodontitis, but current evidence remains inconclusive. Methods After 3 months of nonsurgical periodontal treatment, 360 patients with moderate or severe periodontitis were randomly assigned to 2000 international unit (IU)/d vitamin D3, 1000 IU/d vitamin D3, or placebo. Clinical periodontal examinations, including probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), plaque index (PLI), attachment loss (AL), and alveolar crest height (ACH), were performed at baseline and after 3 months of intervention. Results There was a slight but significant decrease in AL and PD in both vitamin D groups compared with placebo group for moderate and deep pockets. About 2000 IU/d vitamin D3 group, 1000 IU/d vitamin D3 group, and placebo group all decreased the AL for both moderate pockets (-0.4 mm vs -0.4 mm vs -0.3 mm) and deep pockets (-1.1 mm vs -1.1 mm vs -1.0 mm) (all P < .05). Similarly, PD was also decreased in these three groups for both moderate pockets and deep pockets (all P < .05). In addition, vitamin D supplementation was well tolerated, and no adverse events were reported. Conclusions Although statistically significant differences were observed in favor to vitamin D supplementation, the magnitude of effect size tended to be modest with limited clinical relevance and the long-term efficacy and safety warrant further investigation.