Clinical Data Suggests that Low Levels of Vitamin D May Be Correlated with the Development of Periodontal Disease

Previous research has established that the physiological functions of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, are facilitated by its robust properties that include anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and host modulatory properties that maintain and promote overall health. According to a recent publication, available clinical evidence shows that augmented severity of periodontal disease and inflammation is correlated with low serum levels of vitamin D.

In a narrative review published in the Journal of Periodontal Research, researchers sought to explore the role of vitamin D with regard to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease (PD) to assess if deficiency of vitamin D could be implicated as a potential risk factor for the development of PD and to evaluate data from available clinical studies that have explored the impact of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of periodontal disease.

In this review, most studies were classified as cross-sectional and case-control studies. The authors discovered that the findings from the review steadily demonstrated an inverse correlation between serum levels of vitamin D (25OHD₃) and the inflammation associated with the development and degree of PD. Additionally, the authors noted that the most recently published meta-analysis revealed that PD was linked with decreased serum levels of vitamin D, and these findings align with previous studies suggesting comparable correlations. The authors also indicated that some studies revealed low vitamin D levels correlated with increased gingival bleeding but not tooth loss. Data also revealed that specific patient populations were at greater risk with regard to the impact of vitamin D status on PD, including post-menopausal women, especially those with osteoporosis, during pregnancy, and among those aged ≥50 years.

Based on their findings, the authors wrote, “Due to the paucity of well-designed longitudinal studies, there is less support for the impact of vitamin D status on periodontal disease progression and tooth loss. The evidence emphasizes the importance of maintaining vitamin D sufficiency in supporting periodontal health.”

The authors also indicated that additional prospective studies are warranted to validate the overall clinical benefits associated with vitamin D supplementation in thwarting PD progression. The authors also noted that future studies should concentrate on patient populations at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency who are also at augmented risk for PD. As a result, more clinical data may be obtained to ascertain the optimal dose of vitamin D supplementation needed to reduce PD and improve clinical outcomes.

In conclusion, the authors wrote, “Preclinical and clinical studies suggest the involvement of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. While clinical studies have consistently demonstrated an inverse relationship between serum 25OHD3 and periodontal disease inflammation, further studies are needed to clarify the role of vitamin D in the prevention of periodontal disease progression. The evidence suggests that adequate levels of vitamin D support periodontal health.”

Reference

Lu EM. The role of vitamin D in periodontal health and disease. J Periodontal Res. 2023 Apr;58(2):213-224. doi: 10.1111/jre.13083. Epub 2022 Dec 20. PMID: 36537578.