Taking high-dose vitamin D supplements for 5 years did not affect cardiovascular disease or cancer rates

A University of Eastern Finland trial found that taking much higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin D for five years did not affect overall mortality or rates of cardiovascular disease or cancer in older men and women

In population studies, low levels of vitamin D in the body have been associated with an increased risk of many chronic diseases and premature death

In the FIND trial, 2,495 participants (men 60 years or older and women 65 or older) were randomly assigned to receive a placebo or receive 40 or 80 micrograms of vitamin D3 daily for 5 years

Most people were not deficient in vitamin D at the start of the trial

During the five-year trial period, 119 participants developed cardiovascular disease, 129 were diagnosed with cancer, and 19 died

Findings from the trial and other similar studies showed that taking higher doses of vitamin D than recommended for many years did not significantly affect the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer if the body's vitamin D status was adequate

In addition to these key findings, the FIND trial will provide comprehensive reports on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on type 2 diabetes, fractures and falls, mood changes, infections, pain conditions and other outcomes