New Insights on Vitamin D: The VITAL Study and Its Controversies

July 25, 2024 by Ava Green

vitamin D

Today, we delve into some critical insights about vitamin D. The VITAL study, which included 26,000 participants, concluded that vitamin D supplementation is essentially worthless. According to the study, vitamin D did not reduce the risk of cancer, major cardiovascular events, stroke, or cardiovascular death.

The VITAL study employed protocols similar to those in drug trials. Participants were split into two groups: one received vitamin D supplements, and the other received a placebo. Despite this, no baseline vitamin D levels were established, and everyone in the study, including the placebo group, could take up to 800 IU of vitamin D daily.

The study measured vitamin D levels in the blood, reflecting the inactive form. This form supports the skeletal system and calcium regulation but does not indicate the active form present in cells, which is crucial for immune support, cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory effects, diabetes prevention, and dementia prevention.

Interestingly, the study provided only 2,000 IU of vitamin D, which some experts argue is insufficient for significant benefits. Dr. Hollis references six papers highlighting the promising effects of vitamin D, including:

Despite the VITAL study's findings, extensive research supports vitamin D's role in reducing the risk of breast cancer, tooth decay, depression, skin disorders, prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and colon cancer.

Sunlight, the best source of vitamin D, offers additional benefits, such as reducing breast cancer risk, lowering blood pressure, and boosting serotonin levels by up to 80%.

Vitamin D is crucial for skeletal integrity and maintaining blood calcium levels. Research has revealed that various cells, including cancer and immune cells, respond to vitamin D. When consumed through supplements or produced via sunlight exposure, vitamin D exists in its inactive form. It then converts to 25-hydroxy vitamin D, which circulates in the blood but isn't readily accessible to tissues.

The final form, 125 di-hydroxy vitamin D, is a potent hormone converted primarily in the kidneys and within cells. However, discrepancies in vitamin D studies in the U.S. have led to inconsistent results and no agreed-upon standard for normal or deficient vitamin D levels.

Research highlights the significant impact of vitamin D in preventing birth complications, managing low-grade prostate cancer, and improving lactation. The importance of magnesium as a cofactor for vitamin D metabolism is also emphasized.

It's crucial to understand that many physicians may not fully acknowledge the benefits of vitamin D due to the lack of recognition by national organizations. As research continues, the understanding of vitamin D's role in health and disease prevention will likely evolve.