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Estimation of the Dietary Requirement for Vitamin D in Ethnic Groups

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Vitamin D Deficiency
Muscle Function
Immune Health
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Vitamin D Supplement
Registration Number
NCT06067477
Lead Sponsor
University of Surrey
Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to perform a double-blind, randomised, dose-response trial of vitamin D3 supplementation in United Kingdom (UK)-dwelling adults of white European, South Asian, and black African/Caribbean ethnicity to investigate the distribution of dietary intakes needed to maintain adequate vitamin D status in winter, as indicated by serum 25(OH)D concentrations at ranges of \>25 to 50 nmol/L. In addition, this study will investigate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on immune health, muscular strength, and overall health.

Detailed Description

The aim of this study is to perform a double-blind, randomised, dose-response trial of vitamin D3 supplementation in United Kingdom (UK)-dwelling adults of white European, South Asian, and black African/Caribbean ethnicity to investigate the distribution of dietary intakes needed to maintain adequate vitamin D status in winter, as indicated by serum 25(OH)D concentrations at ranges of \>25 to 50 nmol/L. In addition, this study will investigate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on immune health, muscular strength, and overall health. Recruited participants will be randomised to take 400, 1000, or 2000 IU for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples collected at baseline and 12 weeks will measure biochemical markers of vitamin D status (serum 25(OH)D, calcium, parathyroid hormone, albumin), lipid profile, ferritin, micronutrient status, and immune and inflammatory biomarkers. Muscular strength will be measured using sit-to-stand and grip strength tests. Questionnaires, food diaries, and dosimeters will be used to gather data on lifestyle, physical activity, dietary intake, and sun exposure.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
114
Inclusion Criteria
  • British white European, black African/Caribbean, or South Asian (self-reported)
  • Living in England for >2 months
  • Aged >18 years
  • No significant health issues
  • English or Urdu speaker
Exclusion Criteria
  • Medical condition or history which might impact study measurements (e.g., ischaemic heart disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, haematological disease, malignancy)
  • Medications known to affect vitamin D metabolism (i.e., hormone replacement therapy, anti-oestrogens treatment, antiepileptic drugs, and breast cancer treatment)
  • Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period
  • Regular use of sun beds
  • Having a sun holiday one month prior to commencing study or plans for a sun holiday within the study period. A sun holiday is generally defined as a holiday in a sunny resort outside of the UK. The researchers will assess this on a case-by-case basis depending on the time of year and expected weather conditions
  • Reported participation in another clinical trial occurring simultaneously
  • Previous intolerance or allergic reaction to vitamin D

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Vitamin D Supplement 400 IUVitamin D Supplement400 IU (10 µg) of Vitamin D3
Vitamin D Supplement 1000 IUVitamin D Supplement1000 IU (25 µg) of Vitamin D3
Vitamin D Supplement 2000 IUVitamin D Supplement2000 IU (50 µg) of Vitamin D3
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Concentration of serum 25(OH)D (nmol/L)Baseline and 12 weeks

A blood sample will be analysed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Dose-response change in serum 25(OH)D will be measured in nmol/L.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Physical activity questionnaireBaseline

Assess level of physical activity using an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form)

Anthropometric measurements - weight (kg)Baseline and 12 weeks

Weight (kg)

Anthropometric measurements - height (m)Baseline and 12 weeks

Height (m)

Blood analytes - micronutrient statusBaseline and 12 weeks

Measure dose-response change in micronutrient status from blood samples

Blood analytes - lipid profile (mg/dL)Baseline and 12 weeks

Measure change in lipid profile from blood samples measured in mg/dL

Ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) sun exposureBaseline and 12 weeks

Sun exposure will be measured by a dosimeter, which measures UVB exposure. Participants wear this like a badge for 4 days before and after the study.

Lifestyle questionnaireBaseline

Measures:

- Skin type (Fitzpatrick scale)

Questions:

Questions what ethnicity they identify with, Holidays abroad, Education, Origin, Health, Pregnancy, Sun behaviours (what body parts are usually exposed to the sun, clothing, sun bathing, sunscreen use, sun bed use), Smoking, Drinking, Recreational drug use, Knowledge around vitamin D, supplement use, Milk, egg, oily fish and liver consumption

Anthropometric measurements - height (cm)Baseline and 12 weeks

Height (cm)

Anthropometric measurements - waist circumference (cm)Baseline and 12 weeks

Waist circumference measurement (cm)

Number of participants with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTIs)12 weeks

Measure the frequency of ARTIs using a validated questionnaire

Muscular strength using a handgrip strength test (kg)Baseline and 12 weeks

Muscular strength measured using a dynamometer (measured to the nearest 0.1kg). The participant will squeeze the dynamometer with maximum effort for 5 seconds.

Concentration of serum calcium (nmol/L)Baseline and 12 weeks

Measure dose-response change in serum calcium measured in nmol/L

Concentration of serum albumin (g/L)Baseline and 12 weeks

Measure dose-response change in serum albumin measured in g/L

Complete blood countBaseline and 12 weeks

Measure change in complete blood count

Change in immune parametersBaseline and 12 weeks

Measure change in gene expression in white blood cells

Vitamin D consumption from dietBaseline and 12 weeks

Vitamin D intake will be measured through a 4-day food diary which participants will fill out for 4 day at home before and after the study.

Anthropometric measurements - hip circumference (cm)Baseline and 12 weeks

Hip circumference measurement (cm)

Concentration of plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) (pg/mL)Baseline and 12 weeks

Measure dose-response change in plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) measured in pg/mL

Concentration of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (mg/L)Baseline and 12 weeks

Measure dose-response change in CRP measured in mg/L

Muscular strength and endurance using a sit-to-stand testBaseline and 12 weeks

Number of sit to stands in 30 seconds

Sun exposure behaviour questionnaireBaseline

Measures amount of time spent in the sun (often, occasionally, never) and what parts of the body are exposed (head, hands, arms, legs, torso) over summer, spring, autumn and winter. Also questions any summer holidays abroad, in what month, what country was visited, number of hours of sun per day and what body parts were exposed (head, hands, arms, legs, torso)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

🇬🇧

Guildford, United Kingdom

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