Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Effect of monthly vitamin D supplementation on cardiac biomarkers: A post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled
Zhenqiang Wu1, John Sluyter2, Oi Wah Liew3
1School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Insights
Monthly vitamin D supplementation did not significantly impact major cardiac biomarkers in older adults. However, it lowered NT-proBNP levels in individuals with initially low vitamin D status, suggesting potential benefits for heart health in this subgroup.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and outcomes are influenced by vitamin D status.
- The impact of vitamin D supplementation on cardiac biomarkers, as indicators of CVD, remains controversial and data are limited.
- Cardiac biomarkers such as high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), troponin T (hs-cTnT), and N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are crucial for CVD risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of monthly vitamin D supplementation on cardiac biomarkers in older adults.
- To analyze the impact of vitamin D on hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP levels.
- To explore potential differential effects in participants with varying baseline vitamin D status.
Main Methods:
- A post-hoc analysis of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving community-based older adults.
- Participants received monthly 100,000 IU vitamin D or placebo for one to two years.
- Plasma levels of hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP were measured at baseline and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Overall, vitamin D supplementation did not significantly alter follow-up geometric mean levels or the risk of elevated hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP compared to placebo.
- In participants with baseline vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L), vitamin D treatment was associated with significantly lower follow-up NT-proBNP levels and reduced change from baseline compared to placebo.
- These specific findings in the low vitamin D subgroup are considered exploratory and require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Monthly vitamin D supplementation does not appear to reduce overall concentrations of key cardiac biomarkers in older adults.
- Vitamin D supplementation may lower NT-proBNP in older adults with pre-existing vitamin D deficiency, potentially indicating a reduced risk of heart failure in this subgroup.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these exploratory findings and elucidate the role of vitamin D in cardiovascular health, particularly in deficient populations.
Abstract:
The effects of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular diseases are controversial. Data on effects of vitamin D upon cardiac biomarkers, as surrogate endpoints of cardiovascular diseases, are limited and inconclusive. Therefore, we carried out a post-hoc analysis of sub-samples of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with community-based older adults who were randomized to receive monthly 100,000-IU vitamin D or placebo, to determine effect of monthly vitamin D supplementation on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Adjusted relative difference (aRD) of follow-up geometric mean of biomarkers and adjusted relative risk (aRR) of elevated biomarkers between two groups were calculated. A total of 779 participants aged 50-84 y, randomized to vitamin D (n = 395) or placebo (n = 384) groups underwent sampling for measurement of plasma biomarkers at baseline and after one or two years treatment. Over a mean follow-up of 1.6 years, we did not find significant relative difference of geometric mean levels of three biomarkers at follow-up between vitamin D and placebo groups: hs-cTnI (aRD=1.03, 95%CI=0.97-1.09), hs-cTnT (aRD=0.99, 95%CI=0.95-1.04), and NT-proBNP (aRD=1.01, 95%CI=0.92-1.10). No significant differences were found in likelihood of clinically elevated biomarkers between two groups: hs-cTnI (aRR=0.92, 95%CI=0.51-1.69), hs-cTnT (aRR=1.11, 95%CI=0.86-1.42), and NT-proBNP (aRR=1.03,95%CI=0.89-1.20). However, among participants with initial low vitamin D status (<50 nmol/L, n = 200), follow-up NT-proBNP were significantly lower in the vitamin D group compared to placebo (geometric mean 75.9 vs 94.5 pg/mL, respectively; aRD=0.84, 95%CI=0.71-<1.00). The same results were observed for the NT-proBNP levels change from baseline between two groups. Overall, in older adults, monthly vitamin D supplementation did not reduce concentrations of hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP. In those with low vitamin D status, vitamin D treatment was associated, on follow up and change from baseline, with lower plasma NT-proBNP compared with placebo. This potentially signals reduced risk of subsequent heart failure within this sub-group. However, we acknowledge that these findings need to be considered exploratory. Further research is required to replicate them.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:22Connective Tissue Cell Types
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...