Which of the following is NOT listed as a modifiable risk factor for OA?

Which of the following is NOT listed as a modifiable risk factor for OA?

• A. Vitamin D deficiency
• B. Excessive weight
• C. Trauma or injury
• D. Nutrition

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is which factors you can change to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Excess body weight and a history of joint trauma are classic modifiable risk factors because reducing weight lowers joint load and proper protection or rehabilitation after injury can lessen future joint damage, thereby lowering OA risk. Nutrition fits into modification as well because dietary choices influence body weight and inflammatory status, which can affect OA risk and progression. Vitamin D deficiency, while important to correct for bone health, is not consistently linked as a cause of OA onset or progression in most guidelines. Correcting deficiency is beneficial for bones and overall health, but it does not reliably prevent OA or change its course, so it isn’t listed as a modifiable OA risk factor.

The main idea here is which factors you can change to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Excess body weight and a history of joint trauma are classic modifiable risk factors because reducing weight lowers joint load and proper protection or rehabilitation after injury can lessen future joint damage, thereby lowering OA risk. Nutrition fits into modification as well because dietary choices influence body weight and inflammatory status, which can affect OA risk and progression.

Vitamin D deficiency, while important to correct for bone health, is not consistently linked as a cause of OA onset or progression in most guidelines. Correcting deficiency is beneficial for bones and overall health, but it does not reliably prevent OA or change its course, so it isn’t listed as a modifiable OA risk factor.