Effects of Large Doses of Calciferol on Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

In a double-blind clinical trial on 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, calciferol was given in a dose of 100 000 IU per day for 1 year to 24 patients, while the remaining 25 received placebo. Objective and subjective improvement was noted in 67% of the calciferol group and in 36% of the control group, while objective and subjective deterioration was noted in 4% of the calciferol group and in 32% of the control group. The mean values for sedimentation rate and a2-globulin decreased and the mean hemoglobin level increased in the calciferol group. The consumption of analgesics and antiinflammatory medicines decreased significantly in the calciferol group and after 1 year morning stiffness had eased and hand strength had increased in this group.