Top dietary supplements news 2019: vitamin D, fish oil and more
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In 2019, Healio readers were interested in the role of vitamin D and prescription fish oil supplements for cardiovascular health as well as studies exploring other uses of vitamin D. Also, not all dietary supplements are beneficial — or harmful — for people with diabetes.
New research, recent controversies call vitamin D benefits into question
Many consumers and health care providers tout the promise and possible benefits of vitamin D, which, despite its name, is a hormone that promotes the absorption of calcium in the body. But for every positive claim attached to the over-the-counter supplement, new research suggests there is more to the story.
New VITAL analyses shed light on vitamin D for bone health, fall prevention
The large-scale VITAL trial suggested that vitamin D supplementation failed to prevent major cardiovascular events and the development of invasive cancers over 5 years, although a deeper dive into the findings reveals a signal for benefits with vitamin D for certain subsets of patients.
Vitamin D deficiency tied to risk for diabetes death
Adults with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to die of complications from diabetes during 10 years of follow-up when compared with vitamin D-sufficient adults.
Vitamin D supplementation increases insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function
Taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day may improve insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function for those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Beyond calcium, vitamin D, supplements may do more harm than good for bones
When it comes to optimal bone health and fracture prevention, there is scant evidence for recommending supplementation with vitamins and minerals other than calcium and vitamin D.
High-dose vitamin D supplementation may harm bone health
Healthy, middle-aged adults without osteoporosis assigned to a high-dose daily vitamin D liquid drop had reduced bone mineral density at 3 years when compared with similar adults assigned to a daily low-dose supplement.
Guidance needed for dietary supplement use in diabetes
This Q&A offers special considerations and cautions for use of specific dietary supplements by people with diabetes.
AHA: Prescription fish oil effectively lowers high triglycerides
Four grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid together or eicosapentaenoic acid alone, is clinically useful as monotherapy or in addition to other therapies to reduce triglycerides after implementing diet and lifestyle changes and addressing any underlying causes.