Effects of Vitamin D3 and Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation: 4-Year Findings from the VITAL Randomized Trial
Dong Y, Zhu H, Chen L
Published in Nutrients
Methodology
Sub-cohort of the VITAL 2x2 factorial randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial (vitamin D3 2000 IU/day, marine n-3 1 g/day) with hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha measured at baseline, year 2 and year 4.
Key Findings
Vitamin D3 decreased hs-CRP by 19% at 2 years but not at 4 years; effects on IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha were not statistically significant, and marine omega-3 showed no consistent benefit on inflammatory biomarkers.
Conclusions
Long-term vitamin D or omega-3 supplementation in generally healthy older adults produces at best transient, small changes in systemic inflammatory biomarkers.
Limitations
Sub-cohort of a larger trial, mostly replete participants, observational biomarker analysis within the randomized design, multiple-comparison sensitivity.
Supplements Studied
Vitamin D3 supplementation decreased serum hs-CRP levels by 19% at 2-year follow-up, but not at 4-year follow-up.
Marine n-3 fatty acids showed no significant effects on the inflammatory biomarkers assessed.
Outcomes Measured
Vitamin D3 supplementation decreased serum hs-CRP levels by 19% at 2-year follow-up, but not at 4-year follow-up.
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
National Institutes of Health
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