Short-term Vitamin D Supplementation for Non-Diabetic Elder Egyptians: Effects on Glycemic Indices and Lipid Profile

Background and aim: Elderly populations are a susceptible group for many health risks. Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem among elderly populations. It is associated with different harmful effects, especially increased insulin resistance and liability for development of diabetes mellitus. The value of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic indices produced heterogenous results. This work aimed to evaluate the value of vitamin D supplementation (10000 IU, three times a week for six months) on glycemic indices, mainly insulin resistance. Methodology: This study included 100 apparently healthy elder subjects. They were randomly divided into two equal groups, the intervention and the control groups. The intervention group received vitamin D supplementation by 10000 IU three times a week for 6 months. However, the control (placebo) group, received a placebo at the same time for the same period. Laboratory values (vitamin D, fasting blood glucose and insulin, insulin resistance indicator (HOMA-IR) and lipid profiles) were measured at inclusion in the study and after 6 months of treatment. In addition, demographic characteristics were documented. Results:  At basal point, both intervention and control groups were comparable regarding patient demographics and all laboratory workup values. There was slight increase of males than females in both groups. The mean age was 68.32±3.93 and 69.60±3.75 years in intervention and control groups respectively. After the six months of vitamin D supplementation, the intervention group had significantly higher levels of vitamin D than the control group (28.48±3.58 vs 12.42±1.99 ng/ml, respectively). However, the values of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and total cholesterol were significantly reduced in the intervention than the control group. In the intervention group, all laboratory work-up values showed significant changes at the end of the study duration than basal values. For example, vitamin-D values were increased from 11.66±2.20 to 28.48±3.58 ng/ml. Conclusion: Supplementation with cholecalciferol for 6 months is associated with improvement of vitamin D status, insulin resistance indicator (HOMA-IR), overall glycemic indices and lipid profile in healthy elder Egyptians.