Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile in Patients With Cardiovascular Risk

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Existing evidence suggests vitamin D may benefit serum lipid profiles and, thus, cardiovascular health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral daily vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile among patients with cardiovascular risk. Material and Methods A total of 154 patients were included in the study, aged over 18 years, with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Blood samples were collected at baseline and a 6-month follow-up. About 100 patients received vitamin D supplements in addition to the statin treatment, and 54 benefited from oral vitamin D treatment only. Results The serum level of vitamin D showed a significant increase after 6 months of treatment: from a mean basal level of 18.5 ng/ml (± 9.0) to a mean level at 6 months of 43.1 ng/ml (± 9.5) – p<0,0001. In the group treated only with vitamin D supplements, a significant improvement was observed in the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, even if the patients did not benefit from statin treatment. Among patients who also received statins, differences were observed in changes in serum LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, in that the decreases observed were more pronounced than those who received only vitamin supplementation D. Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation appeared to have a beneficial effect on lipid profile. Vitamin D supplementation may be useful in dyslipidemia patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.