Vitamin D supplementation for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis

Double-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effectiveness of Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients With End-stage Knee Osteoarthritis

Not applicable Interventional Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05981534

This study tests if taking vitamin D can help people over 50 with severe knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and move better while they wait for knee replacement surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05981534 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in patients suffering from end-stage knee osteoarthritis, particularly those on the waiting list for total knee replacement. It aims to assess whether vitamin D can improve muscle function and reduce pain and stiffness associated with knee osteoarthritis. The study will include patients over 50 years old with vitamin D deficiency and will compare the effects of vitamin D against a placebo. Participants will be monitored for improvements in muscle strength and overall functional outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females over 50 years old with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who are vitamin D deficient and awaiting total knee replacement.

Not a fit: Patients with connective tissue disorders, recent hip or knee surgeries, or those already taking vitamin D supplements may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option to improve muscle function and alleviate pain in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that vitamin D supplementation can improve pain and function in knee osteoarthritis, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female patients aged over 50 with end-stage knee OA
* Patient are on the waiting list for TKR at Prince of Wales Hospital
* Walk unaided for 6 meters
* Able to comply with the assessments and has given oral and written consent
* Patients with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency at the baseline measurement (25(OH)D \<30 ng/mL)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with connective tissue disorders or myositis condition
* History of any Hip \& Knee surgery
* Patients with malnutrition were assessed by Mini-Nutritional assessment.
* Patients with acute immobility (i.e., post-hip fracture or post-acute hospital admission)
* Patient scheduled for TKR within six months
* Patients already taking vitamin D supplements
* Patients with a known contraindication to vitamin D treatment (such as allergy)
* Patients who have renal impairment with glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \< 30 ml/minute

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Vitamin D DeficiencySarcopeniaKnee OsteoarthritisVitamin DMuscle atrophy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.