Is Vitamin D Effective on the Disease Activity Index (DAS28) in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

We can prevent developing osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with compounds containing calcium and vitamin D. In some of the studies, patients who received more vitamin D had better disease control. Our aim in this study was to observe whether the vitamin D could be effective on the rheumatoid arthritis disease activity or not? This study was a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial on 117 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In Intervention group, in addition to drug therapy, vitamin D 50000 units per week were prescribed. Control group also received placebo tablets. In the end of study, results in both groups compared. Data analysis was performed by paired t-test, Student t-test and General linear Model. There were no significant differences in baseline disease severity, and DAS-28 in both groups. DAS-28 in intervention and control groups was 5.4 ± 1.1 and 5.5 ± 1.3, respectively (P > 0.05). In both groups, all clinical and laboratory parameters after intervention were reduced. The amount of reductions in intervention group was more than the placebo group but it is not significant. According to this research vitamin D can use as an adjuvant therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.