What question did this study set out to answer?

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on cognitive function in individuals aged 60 and above.

May 10, 2026

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Methodology–Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Key Points

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on cognitive function in individuals aged 60 and above.
Systematic search conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science until September 2023.
Included 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a random effects model for analysis.
Quality of RCTs assessed with Risk of Bias 2 tool and GRADE methodology.
Vitamin D supplementation improved global cognition (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.02-1.30; P = .04).
Significant improvements in language (SMD, 1.29; P < .001) and working memory (SMD, 1.58; P < .001) were observed.
No significant changes in executive function (SMD, 0.10; P = .16) or attention (SMD, 0.02; P = .89).

Abstract

CONTEXT: The increasing number of older adults suffering from cognitive decline is a global public health challenge. Current evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation may be related to better cognitive performance. However, the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been contradictory. A previous review on this topic included younger study participants, combined nutrient interventions, and lack of appropriate control group to evaluate the net effect of vitamin D. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of vitamin D3 supplementation on cognition in individuals ≥60 years old. DATA SOURCES: The systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Sciences database until September 2023 for eligible studies. In the final analysis, 9 RCTs were included. DATA EXTRACTION: The pooled effect was assessed using random effects model with standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs. The quality of RCTs and certainty assessment of each outcome were evaluated via the Risk of Bias 2 tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, respectively. DATA ANALYSIS: The results showed that compared with controls, vitamin D significantly improved global cognition (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.02-1.30; P = .04), language (SMD, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.10-1.47; P < .001), working memory (SMD= 1.58; 95% CI, 1.40-1.77; P < .001), and visuospatial function (SMD, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.14-0.48; P < .001) in older adults. While no significant enhancement in the domains of executive function (SMD, 0.10; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.25; P = .16), attention (SMD, 0.02; 95% CI, -0.33 to 0.38; P = .89), and perceptual speed (SMD= 0.09; 95% CI, -0.27 to 0.45; P = .6) was found. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation can be associated with improvement in cognitive function in older adults. Further RCTs in older people are needed to confirm the benefits of vitamin D supplementation on cognition. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. 42023484900.

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