Does Vitamin D Supplementation Prevent Adverse Cardiovascular Events?

In a randomized trial, the answer was “no.”

Some observational studies suggest excess cardiovascular (CV) risk in people with low vitamin D levels. To determine whether vitamin D supplementation prevents adverse CV events, about 5000 New Zealand adults (age range, 50–84) were randomized to receive either vitamin D₃ (100,000 units once monthly) or placebo. At baseline, the mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level was 25 ng/mL. About half the participants had no known cardiovascular (CV) disease. The other half were labeled as having CV disease, but hypertension was the most common diagnosis (only 6% had previous myocardial infarction).

Mean 25(OH)D levels doubled in the supplemented group and didn't change in the placebo group. However, during average follow-up of 3.3 years, the incide…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Does Vitamin D Supplementation Prevent Adverse Cardiovascular Events?

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Reviewing Author