The vast majority of studies reported inverse associations between 25(OH)D concentration and all-cause mortality .
This association appeared to be non-linear , with progressively lower mortality with increasing 25(OH)D up to a point , beyond which there was no further decrease .
There is moderate evidence that vitamin D status is inversely associated with cancer mortality and death due to respiratory diseases , while for cardiovascular mortality , there is weak evidence of an association in observational studies , which is not supported by the data from intervention or Mendelian r and omization studies .
Epidemiological evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality , but it is unclear whether this is explained by reverse causation , and if there are specific causes of death for which vitamin D might be important .
Update on the Vitamin D and OmegA-3 trial (VITAL)
Despite continued appreciation of the potential role of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) , there remain no completed large-scale , r and omized trials of these agents for the primary prevention of cancer or CVD in a population that has not been selected on the basis of elevated risk . The VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL ( VITAL ) is a 2 × 2 factorial r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial of the benefits and risks of vitamin D ( vitamin D3 [ cholecalciferol ] , 2000 IU/d ) and marine omega-3 fatty acids ( Omacor ( ® ) fish oil , a 1 g/d ) in the primary prevention of cancer and CVD among 25,875 men and women , aged ≥50 and ≥55 years , respectively . R and omization began in November 2011 and was completed in March 2014 . This report will describe the rationale for the trial and currently available r and omized trial data , summarize related ongoing large-scale trials , and provide a brief overview of study design , and an up date on r and omization milestones , racial/ethnic diversity , biorepository activities , in-depth phenotyping of a subcohort , and ancillary studies
The vast majority of studies reported inverse associations between 25(OH)D concentration and all-cause mortality .
This association appeared to be non-linear , with progressively lower mortality with increasing 25(OH)D up to a point , beyond which there was no further decrease .
There is moderate evidence that vitamin D status is inversely associated with cancer mortality and death due to respiratory diseases , while for cardiovascular mortality , there is weak evidence of an association in observational studies , which is not supported by the data from intervention or Mendelian r and omization studies .
Epidemiological evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality , but it is unclear whether this is explained by reverse causation , and if there are specific causes of death for which vitamin D might be important .