A clinical trial published in The BMJ suggests that vitamin D supplements could potentially lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, in individuals aged over 60.
While the absolute risk reduction was relatively small, this research represents the largest trial of its kind to date, highlighting the need for further evaluation, especially among those taking cardiovascular medications like statins.
Cardiovascular Disease and Aging
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses various heart and blood vessel conditions and remains a leading global cause of death.
As populations age and chronic illnesses become more prevalent, the incidence of CVD events, including heart attacks and strokes, is expected to rise.
Previous observational studies have consistently linked vitamin D levels to the risk of CVD. However, randomized controlled trials have yielded conflicting results, possibly due to differences in trial design.
The D-Health Trial
To address this uncertainty, researchers in Australia conducted the D-Health Trial from 2014 to 2020. The trial involved 21,315 Australians aged 60-84 who were randomly assigned to receive monthly vitamin D supplements (60,000 IU) or a placebo.
These supplements were taken orally at the beginning of each month for up to five years.
Participants with a history of conditions like hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, kidney stones, osteomalacia, sarcoidosis, inflammatory diseases, or those already taking high-dose vitamin D were excluded from the study.
During the trial, 1,336 participants experienced major cardiovascular events, with 6.6% in the placebo group and 6% in the vitamin D group.
The rate of major cardiovascular events was 9% lower in the vitamin D group, equivalent to 5.8 fewer events per 1,000 participants.
Specifically, the rate of heart attacks was 19% lower, and the rate of coronary revascularization was 11% lower in the vitamin D group. However, there was no significant difference in the rate of strokes between the two groups.
Although there were indications of a stronger effect among participants using statins or other cardiovascular drugs at the beginning of the trial, these results were not statistically significant.
Overall, the researchers estimated that 172 people would need to take monthly vitamin D supplements to prevent one major cardiovascular event.
The researchers acknowledged a slight underestimation of events and suggested that the findings might not apply to other populations, especially those with higher rates of vitamin D deficiency.
However, they emphasized the trial’s size, excellent retention and adherence rates, and comprehensive data on cardiovascular events and mortality outcomes.
Conclusion and Future Research
In conclusion, this study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, particularly heart attacks, in individuals over 60.
The potential protective effect could be more pronounced in those already taking statins or other cardiovascular medications.
The researchers stressed the importance of further evaluation to clarify these findings. Consequently, it is suggested that the idea that vitamin D supplementation does not impact cardiovascular disease risk may be premature.
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The research findings can be found in The BMJ.
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