Global Trends in Vitamin D Research From 1985 to 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the importance of vitamin D, the number of vitamin D-related research publications has declined since 2020. This study examines trends in vitamin D-related research and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding over 4 decades. Methods: We conducted a PubMed search using medical subject headings terms to identify vitamin D-related papers published between 1985 and 2024. NIH funding data were from NIH Reporter; statistical significance was determined using negative binomial regression. Results: Vitamin D-related publications rose steadily from 1985 to 2000, surged from 2008 to 2021, peaked at 6,019 in 2021, and then declined. A similar trend was seen in research on vitamin D-associated diseases. NIH funding for vitamin D research peaked at $52.4 million in 2013 but decreased to $10.5 million by 2024. A negative binomial regression showed a significant difference in publication rates (P