Key points from article :
A randomized controlled trial suggests vitamin D supplements could reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.
Involved 21,315 Australians aged 60 to 84 who randomly received the supplement or placebo each month for up to five years.
Major cardiovascular event was reported in 6.6% of participants in the placebo group and 6% in the vitamin D group.
Rate of major cardiovascular events was 9% lower in the vitamin D group compared with the placebo group.
Rate of heart attack was 19% lower in the vitamin D group.
The absolute risk difference was small, but further evaluation was now warranted.
Despite the limitations, this was a large trial with extremely high retention and almost complete data.
Research led by Rachel Neale from the QIMR Berghofer medical research institute, published in The BMJ.
