Vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, few large, higher-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to corroborate this. A recent RCT examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation in Finland. It found no association between vitamin D and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer. There is evidence that vitamin D deficiency is associated with nearly all primary chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and mortality.

It looked at data from 2,495 people, including those with no cardiovascular disease or cancer history. To provide further evidence of the relationship between vitamin D, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, the researchers behind the present study conducted the Finnish Vitamin D Trial. Despite the large doses, the study failed to see any effect of the supplementation on lowering the incidence of [cardiovascular disease] and cancer. Those who might benefit from the vitamin D supplementation — i.e., those with low serum vitamin D levels — are a small minority in the trials. Prof. Karani: “High-dose vitamin D supplementation may modestly reduce the risk of cancer death, but not overall cancer incidence.” Dr. Virtanen states, So far, there is no evidence that [Vitamin D] supplementation could prevent [SARS-CoV-2] infection. Still, it is well-documented that those, especially with the severe form of COVID-19, have low serum vitamin D levels.

It is also possible that this is a consequence of the [SARS-CoV-2] infection rather than the cause because it is known that acute infection leads to lower serum vitamin D levels. In addition, many of the COVID-19 patients are overweight or obese or have a chronic disease like type 2 diabetes, which is associated with lower serum vitamin D levels, explained Dr. Virtanen. “It is challenging to obtain vitamin D from food intake alone unless that food is fortified with vitamin D. It would be essential to explore whether vitamin D supplementation can decrease the incidence of [cardiovascular disease] and cancers, as that would make a strong case for mandatory vitamin D fortification or promotion of fortified foods in the population.

Reference

Vitamin D supplements, heart health, and cancer risk. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-d-supplements-heart-health-and-cancer-risk?fbclid=IwAR0anIA4BSbVWh-5gq1EcPeh0-2HN8CGkxNh4ZlnIESqCqFndScGFYXPraE