Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025

Isolated Pancreatic Islet Treatment and Apoptosis Measurement
Published on: May 2, 2025
Effect of Vitamin D and/or Calcium Supplementation on Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Subjects with Prediabetes: A
Dongdong Zhang1, Xiaoqin Zhong2, Cheng Cheng3
1Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
Abstract:
So far, the potential role of vitamin D in β-cell function remains a matter of debate. Therefore, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate the effect of a vitamin D supplement with or without calcium on β-cell function in a Chinese population with prediabetes. Two hundred and forty-three subjects were randomly assigned in a 2-by-2 factorial-design RCT to receive either 1600 IU/day vitamin D3 with/or 500 mg/day calcium for 24 weeks. The results showed that oral administration of vitamin D and calcium could increase the secretion of insulin. Vitamin D-insufficient individuals displayed an increment in the disposition index (adjusted change = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.56) after treatment by vitamin D + calcium. It illustrated that supplementation with vitamin D and calcium might improve the function of pancreatic β-cell in prediabetes with low serum 25(OH)D levels. However, further studies are needed to confirm the findings. Given the low vitamin D content in natural foods, it is necessary to fortify processed foods with vitamin D.
Related Concept Videos
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

