Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Body Composition in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL)

Context: Although observational studies show inverse associations between vitamin D status and body weight/adiposity, there are few large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating this relationship. Objective: To determine whether vitamin D-3 supplementation lowers weight or improves body composition. Design: The VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled RCT including 25 871 US adults. This ancillary study was completed in a subcohort that underwent body composition assessments at baseline and 2-year follow-up (89% retention). Setting: Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center in Boston. Participants: 771 participants (men >= 50 and women >= 55 years). Interventions: 2 x 2 factorial design of supplemental vitamin D-3 (2000 IU/day) and/or omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day). Main Outcome Measures: Endpoints were 2-year changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total and/or regional fat and lean tissue measures determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Effect modification by clinical variables and total and free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels was explored. Results: There were no effects of supplemental vitamin D-3 vs placebo on weight, BMI, or measures of adiposity and lean tissue. Effects did not vary by sex, race/ethnicity, fat mass index, or baseline total or free 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin D 3 supplementation did slightly improve body fat percentage in participants with normal BMI at baseline, but not in the overweight or obese (P for interaction = 0.04). Conclusions: Daily vitamin D-3 supplementation vs placebo in the general older population did not improve weight or body composition. Whether supplemental vitamin D-3 may benefit individuals with normal BMI warrants further study.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D-3 supplementation on weight and body composition, and the results showed that there were no significant effects on weight, BMI, or measures of adiposity and lean tissue. However, it did slightly improve body fat percentage in participants with normal BMI at baseline, indicating a potential benefit for individuals with normal weight.