A research study that looked at whether vitamin D levels might affect the chances of getting warts has been officially retracted (taken back) by the journal that published it. This means the researchers or journal found problems with the study that made its results unreliable. The study had tried to use two different research methods to understand if low vitamin D could increase wart risk. However, because this study has been retracted, we cannot trust its findings, and people should not make health decisions based on this research. This is an important reminder that science sometimes needs to correct itself when problems are discovered.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether people with lower vitamin D levels are more likely to develop warts
  • Who participated: Sample size and participant details are not available because the study has been retracted
  • Key finding: This study’s findings cannot be relied upon because the research has been officially retracted by the journal
  • What it means for you: Do not use this retracted study to make decisions about vitamin D supplements or wart prevention. Talk to your doctor about vitamin D and wart concerns instead

The Research Details

The original study attempted to use two different research approaches to examine the connection between vitamin D and warts. The first approach was a retrospective study, which means researchers looked back at past medical records to see if people with warts had different vitamin D levels than those without warts. The second approach used something called Mendelian randomization, which is a statistical method that tries to determine if one thing actually causes another by looking at genetic information. However, because this entire study has been retracted, the specific details of how it was conducted are no longer considered reliable.

Understanding whether vitamin D truly affects wart development could help people prevent warts through better nutrition. However, the retraction means we cannot learn from this particular research effort.

This study has been retracted, which is the most serious quality issue possible. A retraction means the journal and/or authors determined there were significant problems with the research that made the results untrustworthy. Readers should completely disregard the findings of this study

What the Results Show

Because this study has been retracted, its primary findings are no longer considered valid or reliable. A retraction is issued when serious errors, methodological problems, or other significant issues are discovered that undermine the entire study. The journal that published this research in Skin Research and Technology determined that the study should be withdrawn from the scientific record. This means the original results about vitamin D and warts should not be cited, referenced, or used to guide health decisions.

No secondary findings from this retracted study should be considered or applied

Because this study has been retracted, it cannot be meaningfully compared to other research on vitamin D and warts. The retraction removes it from the body of reliable scientific evidence on this topic

The most critical limitation is that this entire study has been retracted. This is not a minor limitation—it means the entire research should be disregarded. Readers should seek information from other, non-retracted studies if they want to learn about vitamin D and skin health

The Bottom Line

Do not follow any recommendations based on this retracted study. If you are interested in vitamin D’s role in skin health or wart prevention, consult with a dermatologist or your primary care doctor who can discuss current, reliable evidence with you

People interested in understanding the relationship between vitamin D and warts should be aware that this particular study is not trustworthy. Anyone who may have read about this study should know it has been withdrawn

This study’s retraction is effective immediately, and its findings should be disregarded

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Do not use this retracted study as a basis for tracking vitamin D or wart-related health metrics
  • This retracted study should not prompt any changes to your vitamin D intake or wart prevention strategies
  • Rely on guidance from your healthcare provider rather than this retracted research

IMPORTANT: This study has been officially retracted and its findings are no longer considered reliable or valid. This article is provided for educational purposes only to explain what a retraction means. Do not make any health decisions based on this retracted research. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, dermatologist, or physician before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health routine. The retraction of this study means significant problems were found with its methodology or results. For current, evidence-based information about vitamin D and skin health, please speak with your doctor or visit reputable medical websites