Calcifediol improves lipid profile in atorvastatin treated postmenopausal women

Epidemiological data suggest that vitamin D, a part from its well recognized role in bone and mineral metabolism could play a favorable role in cardiovascular health. It was previously observed an inverse association between vitamin D serum levels (25(OH)D) and markers of cardiovascular risk; in particular, low levels of 25(OH)D have been associated both with unfavorable lipid profile, and to a poorer response to atorvastatin. Aim of this study was to test the benefit of 25-OH cholecalciferol (calcifediol) supplementation on lipid profile. Postmenopausal osteopenic women at low risk of fracture and with 25(OH)D levels <30ng/ml were included if they were on atorvastatin therapy previously prescribed as appropriate. Recruited women (n=30, mean age 58.26±7.48 years) received oral calcifediol (125 μg) once a week. At baseline, a negative correlation was also found between 25(OH)D and total cholesterol (r=-0.46; p=0.009) and LDL-C (r=-0.5; p=0.003). In comparison to baseline, after 24 weeks a significant increase of mean serum 25(OH)D level (<0.0001) and an improvement of lipid profile were observed. A significant reduction of LDL-C (p=0.01) and an increase of HDL-C (p=0.02) were detected. Percent changes in 25(OH)D levels were found to correlate with the variations of LDL-C (r=-0.41; p=0.02). We found that calcifediol administration in osteopenic and dislipidemic postmenopausal women with low 25(OH)D improves lipid profile when added to an ongoing atorvastatin treatment. Our findings could have clinical implication.