Large Study Will Test Vitamin D, Fish Oil Supplements

Dr. JoAnn Manson and Dr. Julie Buring, of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital will be conducting a large study to examine if vitamin D and fish oil supplements reduce the risk of developing cancer or heart disease.

The $20 million study is funded by the National Institutes of Health and is looking to enroll at least 20,000 people. Around 25% of the participants will be black as this segment of the population has higher rates of cancer, heart disease, and stroke when compared with whites.

Advantages of Eating Fish Foods - Health Benefits
Researchers worldwide have discovered that eating fish regularly is good for health. Regular consumption of fish may reduce the risk of diseases such as asthma, prostate cancer and eyesight.

“African-Americans have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency and a greater frequency of certain types of cancer and diabetes and hypertension, so I think that it will be of great importance to look at whether something as simple as taking a vitamin D supplement can narrow these health gaps,’’ said Manson.

The study will include women over the age of 65 and men over the age of 60. These participants will be assigned into four groups. One group will be given 2,000 international units of vitamin D and about 1 gram of fish oil, while one group will be given one of the supplements. The remaining two groups will receive a placebo.

The recruitment will begin in August and all forms and pills will be mailed to the participants from www.vitalstudy.org.

Health Benefits of Fish
Fish is one of the staple food of coastal inhabitants. Nutrition in fish includes protein, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is considered to be beneficial for heart and brain.

Source-Medindia
RAS

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