Vitamin D Supplementation and Antibiotic Use in Older Australian Adults: An Analysis of Data From the D-Health Trial

Hai Pham, Mary Waterhouse, Catherine Baxter, Briony Duarte Romero, Donald S.A. McLeod, Bruce K. Armstrong, Peter R. Ebeling, Dallas R. English, Gunter Hartel, Michael G. Kimlin, Rachel L. O'Connell, Jolieke C. Van Der Pols, Alison J. Venn, Penelope M. Webb, David C. Whiteman, Rachel E. Neale*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: 

Vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk or severity of infection, but this has been investigated in few large population-based trials. We analyzed data from the D-Health Trial, using prescription of antibiotics as a surrogate for infection. 

Methods: 

The D-Health Trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 21 315 Australians aged 60-84 years were randomized to 60 000 IU of supplementary vitamin D3 or placebo monthly for 5 years. For this analysis, the primary outcome was the number of antibiotic prescription episodes; secondary outcomes were total number of prescriptions, repeat prescription episodes, and antibiotics for urinary tract infection. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using negative binomial regression, and odds ratios using logistic regression. 

Results: 

Vitamin D supplementation slightly reduced the number of prescription episodes (IRR, 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI],. 95-1.01), total prescriptions (IRR, 0.97; 95% CI,. 93-1.00), and repeat prescription episodes (IRR, 0.96; 95% CI,. 93-1.00). There was stronger evidence of benefit in people predicted to have insufficient vitamin D at baseline (prescription episodes IRR, 0.93; 95% CI,. 87-.99). 

Conclusions: 

Vitamin D may reduce the number of antibiotic prescriptions, particularly in people with low vitamin D status. This supports the hypothesis that vitamin D has a clinically relevant effect on the immune system.

Clinical Trials Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: 

ACTRN12613000743763. https://www.anzctr.org.au/.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)949-957
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume226
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Sept 2022
Externally publishedYes

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