Vitamin D Maintained Better Muscle Volume

Clinical Study Title:
Positive effects of anabolic steroids, vitamin D and calcium on muscle mass, bone mineral density and clinical function after a hip fracture. A randomised study of 63 women.

Plain English Summary:

This study involved patients recovering from a hip fracture. These patients were given a treatment involving anabolic steroids, calcium and vitamin D, or just calcium alone. The integrity of the hip and thigh were measured after treatment. The group of participants who took the anabolic steroids with the calcium and vitamin D maintained better muscle volume than the other group, as well as maintaining bone density better during recovery. Overall recovery was better in the anabolic steroid-calcium-vitamin D group than in the other group. This suggests that a combination of anabolic steroids with calcium and vitamin D can aid in the recovery after fractures than just the use of calcium supplementation alone. Anabolic steroids and vitamin D can help to aid in maintaining bone integrity over time after fractures.

Authors:
Hedstrom M. Sjoberg K. Brosjo E. Astrom K. Sjoberg H. Dalen N.

Institution:
Department of Orthopaedics, Karolinska Institute and Danderyd Hospital, Sweden.

Country of Publication:
England

Source:
Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery - British Volume. 84(4):497-503, 2002 May.