Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Cognitive Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #vitamin-d #dietary-supplements #cognition #vitamin-d-deficiency

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Cognitive Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Chen et al., 2024 | Neuropsychol Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Chen Wen-Yin, Cheng Ying-Chih, ... Kuo Po-Hsiu. Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Cognitive Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neuropsychol Rev. 2024-Jun;34(2):568-580. doi:10.1007/s11065-023-09598-z

Abstract

Clinical studies examining the effects of vitamin D on cognition have reported inconsistent results. To date, no comprehensive study has examined this effect on the basis of sample characteristics or intervention model-related factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on global cognitive function and specific cognitive domains. This review was preregistered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021249908) and comprised 24 trials enrolling 7557 participants (mean age: 65.21 years; 78.54% women). The meta-analysis revealed that vitamin D significantly influenced global cognition (Hedges' g = 0.128, p = .008) but not specific cognitive domains. A subgroup analysis indicated that the effect size of vitamin D was stronger for vulnerable populations (Hedges' g = 0.414) and those with baseline vitamin D deficiency (Hedges' g = 0.480). On the basis of subgroup analyses in studies without biological flaws (Hedges' g = 0.549), we suggest that an intervention model should correct baseline vitamin D deficiency. Our results indicate that vitamin D supplementation has a small but significant positive effect on cognition in adults.

Key Findings

Our results indicate that vitamin D supplementation has a small but significant positive effect on cognition in adults.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 7557
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Vitamin D
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Cognition
  • Vitamin D Deficiency
  • Female
  • Aged
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Male

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-d

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09