Alternative Health Blog

In a study involving 51 patients with chronic periodontitis (with at least 2 interproximal sites with at least 3 mm clinical attachment loss), enrolled in periodontal maintenance programs at 2 different dental clinics, supplementation with vitamin D (at least 400 IU/d) and calcium (at least 1000 mg/d) over a period of 1 year was found to be associated with modest beneficial effects on periodontal health. Subjects taking vitamin D and calcium were taking on average: 1760 mg calcium and 1049 IU vitamin D, as compared to 642 mg calcium and 156 IU vitamin D in the group of patients not taking supplementation. While clinical parameters of periodontal health improved in both groups, the improvements were greater in the group supplementing with calcium and vitamin D. The authors conclude, "Our findings support the possibility that vitamin D may positively impact periodontal health and confirm the need for randomized clinical trials on the effects of vitamin D on periodontitis."   Reference:    "One-year Effects of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Chronic Periodontitis," Garcia MN, Hildebolt CF, et al, J Periodontol, 2010 Sept 1; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Graduate Periodontics, Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education, St. Louis, MO, USA).