Long term Vit-D supplementation: no mortality benefit in older folks

[Eddy Edson]

The D-Health Trial: a randomised controlled trial of the effect of vitamin D on mortality

The effect of supplementing unscreened adults with vitamin D3 on mortality is unclear. We aimed to determine whether monthly doses of vitamin D3 influ…

www.sciencedirect.com

A big, lonng term study just published.

Interpretation​

Administering vitamin D3 monthly to unscreened older people did not reduce all-cause mortality. Point estimates and exploratory analyses excluding the early follow-up period were consistent with an increased risk of death from cancer. Pending further evidence, the precautionary principle would suggest that this dosing regimen might not be appropriate in people who are vitamin D-replete.

The sub-group analysis showed there was no discernible benefit even for folks suffering from Bit-D deficiency:

 

[mikeyB]

So what? Mortality isn’t everything, it’s quality of life. Many folk in in the UK are relatively low in VitD, and osteoporosis is the devil eating at reduced mobilty and back problems in older folk. I take a daily supplement. If that stops my bones bones becoming transparent but I die from something else, at least I’ll be comfortable lying down in a coffin, and won’t break if they drop it.

 

[Amigo]

So what? Mortality isn’t everything, it’s quality of life. Many folk in in the UK are relatively low in VitD, and osteoporosis is the devil eating at reduced mobilty and back problems in older folk. I take a daily supplement. If that stops my bones bones becoming transparent but I die from something else, at least I’ll be comfortable lying down in a coffin, and won’t break if they drop it.

I can produce equally compelling research as to its efficacy and health benefits for lots of specific conditions. As you say Mike, it’s not just about longevity.