Effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammation and nuclear factor kappa-B activity in overweight/obese adults: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 9;7(1):15154. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-15264-1.

Abstract

In-vitro studies suggest that vitamin D reduces inflammation by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) activity. Yet, no trials have examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on NFκB activity in-vivo in humans. We conducted a double-blind randomized trial (RCT) examining effects of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory markers and NFκB activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Sixty-five overweight/obese, vitamin D-deficient (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] ≤ 50 nmol/L) adults were randomized to a single 100,000 IU bolus followed by 4,000 IU daily cholecalciferol or matching placebo for 16 weeks. We measured BMI, % body fat, serum 25(OH)D, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), several interleukins, and NFκB activity in PBMCs. Fifty-four participants completed the study. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased with vitamin D supplementation compared to placebo (p < 0.001). Vitamin D and placebo groups did not differ in any inflammatory markers or NFκB activity (all p > 0.05). Results remained non-significant after adjustment for age, sex, and % body fat, and after further adjustment for sun exposure, physical activity, and dietary vitamin D intake. Although in-vitro studies report anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D, our RCT data show no effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory markers or NFκB activity in-vivo in humans.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Australia
  • Blood Chemical Analysis
  • Cytokines / analysis
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / chemistry
  • Male
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Placebos / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cytokines
  • NF-kappa B
  • Placebos
  • Vitamin D