N05079: Effect of 1 year vitamin D intervention on risk of cardiovascular disease: a randomized controlled trial at 57°N
Monday 8 September 2008
Background
While the importance of vitamin D for bone health is well established, there is also some evidence that vitamin D may be protective against cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. This research project will examine the effect of dietary vitamin D on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and insulin sensitivity.
Research Approach
The effect of vitamin D on cardiovascular disease risk factors and insulin sensitivity will be assessed in a double-blind randomized controlled trial of postmenopausal women aged 60-70 years recruited from the Aberdeen Prospective Osteoporosis Screening Study (APOSS) cohort. Over the course of one year three groups of 100 women each will receive either placebo, 10 µg/day or 25 µg/day vitamin D. At the study outset adipose tissue (body fat) distribution will be assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (i-DXA). Every two months subjects' blood pressure will be measured and blood samples will be taken for analysis of fasting glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, blood lipids and other markers of CVD risk (hsCRP, ICAM, IL6). The study’s results will help to inform the Agency’s future advice on vitamin D.