Results from New Trial Show Vitamin D and Fish Oil Hopeful in Prevention of Cancer and CVD

After 5 years of study and treatment by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), results have shown promise towards prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) with the use of vitamin D and omega-3.

The vitamin D and omega-3 clinical trial (VITAL) is the largest, most recent study to test this subject matter, with nearly 26,000 United States men and women participating in the trial.

Omega-3 fatty acids, or fish oil, showed a small, nonsignificant reduction in the primary cardiovascular endpoint of major CVD events. However, they were associated with significant reductions in heart attacks. People with dietary fish intake below the cohort median of 1.5 servings per week saw the greatest treatment benefit. Meanwhile, participants whose intake was above that level did not see as much as a benefit.

Likewise, supplementation of vitamin D did not reduce major CVD events or total cancer incidence yet was still associated with statistically significant reduction in total cancer mortality among participants in the trial at least two years.

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director, is hopeful for the future of this issue. In a prepared statement, she said, "With heart disease and cancer representing the most significant health threats to women, it is imperative that we continue to study the viability of options that prevent these diseases and help women survive them.”

Reference

Vitamin D and fish oil show promise in prevention of cancer death and heart attacks.Science Dailywebsite. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190924080026.htm. Published September 24, 2019. Accessed September 24, 2019.