Efficacy Study of Vitamin D and Statins to Treat Hypercholesterolemia

Effect of Vitamin D and Statins on Plasma Lipid Profiles in Chinese Patients With Hypercholesterolemia

The investigators planned to research the effect of vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy for patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Vitamin D is primarily generated in the skin, in response to direct absorption of ultraviolet B radiation. Vitamin D can also be obtained through fortified foods and oral supplements. Lipid abnormalities are common in the general population, and are regarded as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Recently low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with increased risk of developing hyperlipidemia. Statins are normally the first-line therapy for hypercholesterolemia. It is also reported that vitamin D can improve serum lipid levels. However, its effects on hypercholesterolemia patients remain unclear. The investigators planned to determine the efficacy of combination therapy with statins and vitamin D in a cohort of hypercholesterolemia patients. This study may shed light as to whether oral vitamin D supplementation can be an adjunct therapy in hypercholesterolemia patients.

drug: vitamin D3 tablets (Vigantoletten; Merck Pharma, Germany); the frequency: 2000 IU vitamin D3 tablets were taken daily; duration: 6 months.

The primary end point was a change in serum total cholesterol level after 6 months of vitamin D supplementation.

Inclusion Criteria: The main inclusion criteria were for hypercholesterolemia patients with the treatment of statins. Exclusion Criteria: The exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with chronic renal failure, chronic liver disease, bone disorders, and/or thyroid disorders. Patients were also excluded if they were taking vitamin D3 tablets or other lipid-regulating drugs.

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