The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Physical Function and Quality of Life in Older Patients With Heart FailureCLINICAL PERSPECTIVE: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background— Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, commonly found in older patients with heart failure, may contribute to the chronic inflammation and skeletal myopathy that lead to poor exercise tolerance. We tested whether vitamin D supplementation of patients with heart failure and vitamin D insufficiency can improve physical function and quality of life. Methods and Results— In a randomized, parallel group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with systolic heart failure aged ≥70 years with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels P P =0.04). Conclusions— Vitamin D supplementation did not improve functional capacity or quality of life in older patients with heart failure with vitamin D insufficiency. Clinical Trial Registration— www.controlled-trials.com. Identifier: ISRCTN51372896.