Vitamin D or Vitamin Dud?

Written by Randy Yan and Edited by Gouri Ajith

People have been consuming vitamin supplements since they were invented to reap vitamins’ numerous health benefits and achieve better health. Though it has been said that vitamins are essential supplements that help people obtain the daily recommended amount they need and prevent disease, how do we know for sure that this is the case? Newfound research has provided strong evidence that Vitamin D and n-3 fatty acids (otherwise known as Omega-3), actually do not decrease the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases and cancers [1].

Vitamins are essential nutrients that everyone needs in small amounts so that the body functions properly. Vitamin D, specifically, helps promote calcium absorption and maintain adequate blood calcium and phosphate concentrations in the human body, which together contribute to bone mineralization and prevention of hypocalcemic tetany [2]. Hypocalcemic tetany is a product of low calcium levels in the human body over time, diminishing the potential to fully grow into adulthood. Oftentimes, hypocalcemic tetany can cause confusion, muscle spasms, muscle cramps, and even weak and brittle nails [3]. In children, Vitamin D deficiency may cause bone deformities, while in adults it may cause bone weakness.

Through the years, Vitamin D has been a vital component in treating bone-related disorders and similar illnesses. Low levels of Vitamin D are commonly associated with Vitamin D deficiency, a known disorder that can cause death, immobilization, or pelvic deformities that prevent normal childbirth [4]. To treat Vitamin D deficiency, the utilization of supplements has grown quite popular. Recently, Vitamin D and Omega 3 supplements have even been envisioned to treat and prevent various cancers and cardiovascular diseases. However, it still remains to be known whether these supplements truly prevent cancers and cardiovascular diseases from developing.

In a new study, called the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 25,871 U.S. subjects participated in a randomized study for five years to determine whether or not Vitamin D supplements affect the risk of developing cancer or cardiovascular disease. In the experiment, participants either took a Vitamin D3 supplement, an Omega-3 supplement, both supplements, or a placebo with no effect. At the start of the trial, all participants had no previous history of cancer or cardiovascular disease, and presented no indicator of any disease [5]. Questionnaires were completed almost annually to determine the participants’ health statuses; optional blood samples were collected to determine levels of Vitamin D and other substances as well [6].

Of all the participants in the study, 1617 participants had developed an invasive cancer; 793 of which were from the Vitamin D group, and 824 from the placebo group. Also during the study, 805 participants incurred some type of cardiovascular event; 396 from the Vitamin D group, and 409 from the placebo group. In regards to the Omega 3 part of the study, 1617 individuals developed some form of cancer; 820 in the Omega 3 group, and 797 in the placebo group. There were also 805 major cardiovascular events; 386 from the Omega 3 group, and 419 from the placebo group [7]. From this data, the study was able to conclude that there were no significant differences between the two groups in regards to developing cancer or cardiovascular disease.

All in all, while taking vitamin supplements may not be beneficial on their own, they are highly important for those who have vitamin deficiency disorders that may hinder them from performing normal day-to-day activities. In general, a balanced and healthy diet can help you obtain all the vitamins your body needs in order to carry out its important functions. If taken, vitamin supplements should be accompanied by adequate levels of exercise, which together can help to reduce the risks of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease [8].

References:

1. Avramova, Nina. “Vitamin D, Omega-3 Supplements Do Not Prevent Cancer or Heart Disease, Study Says.” CNN. Cable News Network, 10 Nov. 2018, https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/10/health/vitamin-d-omega-3-cancer-heart-disease-study-intl/index.html
2. Frellick, Marcia. “Vitamin D Supplements Don’t Prevent Heart Disease or Cancer.” Science News. Society for Science & the Public, 10 Nov. 2018, https://www.sciencenews.org/article/vitamin-d-supplements-do-not-prevent-heart-disease-or-cancer?tgt=nr
3. Khan, A., Gotter, A. “Hypocalcemia (Calcium Deficiency Disease).” Healthline, 20 July 2018, https://www.healthline.com/health/calcium-deficiency-disease
4. Manson, J.E., Cook, N.R., Lee, I.M., Christen, W., Bassuk, S.S., Mora, et al. (2018). Vitamin D Supplements and Prevention of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease. New England Journal of Medicine.doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1809944 .
5. Manson, J.E., Cook, N.R., Lee, I.M., Christen, W., Bassuk, S.S., Mora, S., Gibson, H., Gordon, D., Copeland, T., D’Agostino, D., Friedenberg, G., Ridge, C. (2018). Marine n−3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1811403.
6. Neer, R.M. (1975). The evolutionary significance of vitamin D, skin pigment, and ultraviolet light. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 43: 409-416.
7. “Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL).” ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 11 July 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01169259

    8. “Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.” National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 9 Nov. 2018, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/