Can Calcium and Vitamin D Help with Scoliosis? Key Findings from New Research
Often, we hear about the benefits of Vitamin D in managing osteoporosis, but did you know it also plays a crucial role in bone growth during child development?
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a condition that causes an unusual curve in the spine, often becoming more noticeable as kids hit growth spurts. Recent research presented in 2017 has offered some promising answers on the impact of calcium and vitamin D in strengthening bones and helping slow down the progression of scoliosis.
What Was the Study About?
The study showed that calcium and vitamin D supplements can help strengthen bones. These supplements also slowed down the progression of scoliosis curves in teenage girls with AIS. Teenagers with AIS often have lower bone density, so researchers examined whether taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements make a difference.
How Did They Do It?
The study included 330 young girls between ages 11 and 14 with scoliosis and lower-than-average bone density. The girls were divided into three groups:
- Group 1 took a placebo (a pill without calcium or vitamin D).
- Group 2 took 600 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily.
- Group 3 took the same amount of calcium but a higher dose of vitamin D (800 IU daily).
Researchers followed the young girls for two years. They kept track of their bone density and monitored the progression of their spinal curves.
What Did They Find?
The results were eye-opening:
1. Stronger Bones: Both groups that took calcium and vitamin D showed improvements in bone density. Their strength improved much more than that of the placebo group. This showed that these supplements did in fact improve their bone density.
2. Less Curve Progression:
- Only 21.7% of girls in Group 3 (the higher vitamin D group) experienced curve progression.
- 24.4% in Group 2 (the lower vitamin D group) saw progression.
- In contrast, 46.7% of the placebo group had curve progression.
This means that the girls who took calcium and vitamin D had a much lower chance of their scoliosis getting worse. Their condition was less likely to worsen compared to those who didn’t take any supplements.
Who Benefited Most?
- Low Vitamin D Levels: Among girls with initially low vitamin D levels, only 16.2% in the high-dose vitamin D group experienced curve progression, compared to 48.6% in the placebo group. This highlights the significant benefit of vitamin D supplementation in this group.
- Low Calcium Intake: Girls consuming less than 1000 mg of calcium daily also showed a lower rate of curve progression when taking high-dose vitamin D and calcium supplements. This underscores the critical role of maintaining adequate calcium levels for bone health and reducing scoliosis progression.
Why This Matters?
This research highlights the potential of calcium and vitamin D in managing scoliosis in teenagers, particularly those with insufficient levels of these nutrients. While further studies are necessary, these findings offer valuable insights for parents and healthcare providers, suggesting that incorporating these nutrients into a treatment plan could be a beneficial step toward improving outcomes.
A Practical Takeaway for Parents
If your child has scoliosis and is still growing, ask their doctor about whether they’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D. A daily vitamin D supplement, along with calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, are beneficial.
As we learn more, it’s encouraging to see the impact of good nutrition. It can make a meaningful difference for kids with scoliosis.
1.Cheng JC, Qin L, Cheung CS, Sher AH, Lee KM, Ng SW, Guo X. Generalized low areal and volumetric bone mineral density in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. J Bone Miner Res. 2000;15:1587–1595. doi: 10.1359/jbmr.2000.15.8.1587. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
2.Chung JCY, Guo X. Osteopenia in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis—a primary problem or secondary to the spinal deformity? Spine. 1997;22:1716–1721. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199708010-00006. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
3.Roach JW. Adolscent idiopathic scoliosis. Ortho Clin N Am. 1999;30:353–365. doi: 10.1016/S0030-5898(05)70092-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Ask Dr. James 