Vitamin D Supplementation for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Risk

The Role of Vitamin D Supplementation in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent in the general population, particularly in obese individuals. Besides being associated with obesity, vitamin D deficiency seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and low-grade chronic inflammation. In addition, it has been reported that individuals with low vitamin D levels are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. A healthy diet and weight loss are cornerstones in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D supplementation could increase the beneficial effects of these lifestyle interventions. The purpose of this study is to assess whether vitamin D supplementation in conjunction with a hypocaloric diet improves the cardiometabolic profile of overweight/obese subjects to a greater extent than diet alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI≥25 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Cholestasis
• Cancer
• Chronic bowel disease
• Primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism
• Treatment with drugs that may affect insulin sensitivity, weight or calcium/vitamin D metabolism
• Laxative abuse
• Changes >10% of usual body weight in the previous 6 months
• Alcohol or illicit drug abuse
• Pregnancy