Future directions in vitamin D and cardiovascular research
Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, 05/30/2012

Zittermann A et al. – Overall, it can be expected that the next 10–15 years will provide an increased clarity concerning the role of vitamin D in CVD.

• Future directions include the need of performing large randomised controlled supplementation trials with vitamin D in specific risk groups.
• In addition, large register sets of data on vitamin D supplementation can be used, provided that adequate statistical methods such as propensity score modelled analysis are applied.
• To better understand vitamin D–mediated effects on CVD risk, the routine measurement of circulating levels of the hormonal vitamin D form, 1,25–dihydroxyvitamin D, is also necessary, in addition to the determination of its precursor 25–hydroxyvitamin D.
• Further, genetic association studies may help in clarifying the contribution of vitamin D to the development of CVD.
• Finally, the interrelationship of vitamin D with physical activity should be considered when studying CVD risk.