Combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation improves sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes
In a 24-week RCT involving 212 Chinese adults with prediabetes, the vitamin D plus calcium group showed a significant reduction in total PSQI score compared to pre-intervention levels. Subgroup analyses also found improved sleep quality with calcium alone in women, those with low baseline 25(OH)D (<30 ng/mL), and menopausal individuals.
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Combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation improves sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 48/100 (low).
The Claim
Combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation improves sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes
This conclusion is most relevant to: 212 Chinese adults with prediabetes.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effects of vitamin D and/or calcium intervention on sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes: a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. (European journal of nutrition, 2024) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Calcium and vitamin D may influence sleep-regulating neurotransmitters and melatonin synthesis
- ▸Improved insulin sensitivity and beta cell function (correlation with sleep efficiency changes)
- ▸Reduction in inflammation or metabolic disturbances associated with prediabetes
- ▸Result: Improved sleep quality as measured by PSQI
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸212 Chinese adults with prediabetes
Recommended Dose
Vitamin D 1600 IU/day, calcium 500 mg/day
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Post hoc analysis of an RCT, not a pre-specified primary outcome
- ▸Single ethnic group (Chinese) limits generalizability
- ▸Short duration (24 weeks) and no long-term follow-up
- ▸Subgroup analyses were exploratory and may be underpowered
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main finding of this study?▼
The study found that combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation, as well as calcium alone in certain subgroups, improved sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes, as measured by the PSQI.
Who might benefit most from calcium supplementation for sleep?▼
Subgroup analyses suggested that women, individuals with low baseline vitamin D levels (<30 ng/mL), and those in menopause showed significant improvements in sleep quality with calcium supplementation.
How was sleep quality measured in this trial?▼
Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated self-report questionnaire that evaluates sleep patterns and disturbances over the past month.
What is the relevance of this study for people with prediabetes?▼
Since poor sleep is common in prediabetes and may worsen metabolic health, this study suggests that vitamin D and calcium supplementation could be a simple intervention to improve sleep quality in this population.
References
- 1.Miao Y, Zhang L, Zhang D, Feng M, Zhang C, Zhao T, Song H, Zhong X, Jiang Z, Li L, Wei X, Li W, Li X. “Effects of vitamin D and/or calcium intervention on sleep quality in individuals with prediabetes: a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial..” European journal of nutrition, 2024. PMID: 38366270 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03345-7