The VITAL Study on Vitamin D: Findings, Critiques, and Broader Implications

A large study called the VITAL study involved 26,000 people and concluded that vitamin D supplementation is not effective. The researchers decided not to spend more money on vitamin D research, declaring it the "last nail in the coffin" for vitamin D studies. Here are the main points from the study:

Key Findings

Cancer Risk: Vitamin D did not reduce the risk of cancer.

Cardiovascular Events: There was no reduction in major cardiovascular events, stroke, or cardiovascular death.

Critique from Dr. Bruce Hollis

Dr. Bruce Hollis, a pioneer in vitamin D research, shared a summary and pointed out flaws in the study:

Study Design Issues

Baseline Levels: The study did not test baseline vitamin D levels, which is important to see if participants were deficient before supplementation.

Placebo Group: Even the placebo group was allowed to take up to 800 IU of vitamin D3 daily, which could skew results.

Vitamin D Forms and Measurement

Inactive vs. Active Vitamin D: The study measured inactive vitamin D in the blood, which is more related to the skeletal system, not the immune system. Active vitamin D, which affects the immune system, needs to be measured within the cells.

Dosage Concerns

Supposed High Dose: The study used 2,000 IU of vitamin D3, considered a high dose by the researchers. However, Dr. Hollis argues that it’s only 50 micrograms and not enough to impact the body significantly.

Other Research on Vitamin D

Despite the VITAL study, other research shows vitamin D can have significant health benefits:

Asthma Prevention: Giving pregnant women 4,000 to 6,000 IU of vitamin D3 can almost eliminate asthma in their children.

Autoimmune Diseases: Vitamin D can reduce autoimmune disease by 22%.

Cancer: Higher levels of vitamin D in the blood lower the risk of advanced cancer and cancer mortality.

Other Conditions: Vitamin D helps with tooth decay, depression, skin disorders like psoriasis, prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and colon cancer.

Benefits of Sun Exposure

Breast Cancer: Women who avoid the sun have an 80% higher risk of breast cancer than those who get regular sun exposure.

Blood Pressure: Sunbathing can lower blood pressure.

Serotonin Levels: Sun exposure can increase serotonin levels by up to 80% in one day, without side effects.

Conclusion

While the VITAL study suggested that vitamin D supplementation might be ineffective, other studies indicate numerous health benefits. It’s important to consider the flaws in the VITAL study and look at the broader research on vitamin D.

References:

VITAL study

Dr. Bruce Hollis’s recommendations and critique

Other research papers and studies mentioned in the article