Huge Government Study to Test 2 Popular Supplements
Two of the most popular and promising dietary supplements—vitamin D and fish oil—will be tested in a large, government-sponsored study to see whether either nutrient can lower a healthy person’s risk of various conditions.
The $20 million study, also known as the VITAL (VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL) study, will enroll 20,000 people with no history of heart attacks, stroke or a major cancer. Subjects will be women who are 65 or older and men who are 60 or older and will be randomly assigned to take vitamin D, fish oil, both nutrients or placebo pills for five years. The daily dose of vitamin D will be approximately 2,000 IU of D3, also known as cholecalciferol, the most active form. For fish oil, the daily dose will be about one gram (1,000 mg).
In attempt to find out whether the vitamin D and fish oil can fend off cancer and heart disease, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, also plan to observe the effects of these nutrients on memory, depression, diabetes, osteoporosis and other health issues. Questionnaires, medical records and possible periodic in-person exams will help researchers monitor the participants’ health.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Hopefully we’ll see results before the study ends in five years. If you want to participate, recruitment begins in January. Travel to Boston isn’t needed because study forms and pills will be mailed. Visit www.vitalstudy.org for details.
