Calcifediol improves lipid profile in osteopenic atorvastatin-treated postmenopausal women

BackgroundLow vitamin D serum levels have been associated with unfavourable lipid profile and poorer response to atorvastatin. Aims of this study were to test the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 (calcifediol) compared to parental vitamin D-3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on modifications of plasma 25(OH)D levels and lipid profile. Materials and methodsFifty-seven postmenopausal women (aged 5903673years) who were at low risk of fracture and with basal plasma 25(OH)D<30ng/mL were included if they were on atorvastatin treatment prescribed as appropriate. Recruited women were randomized to receive oral calcifediol or cholecalciferol, both at a dose of 140g according to a weekly regimen. ResultsAt baseline, 25(OH)D was negatively associated with BMI (r=-037; P=0004), total cholesterol (r=-031; P=001) and LDL-C (r=-032; P=002). After 24weeks, 25(OH)D increased significantly in both groups (P<0001), although higher levels were obtained with calcifediol as compared with cholecalciferol (P<0001). Only in the calcifediol group, a significant reduction of LDL-C (P=001) and an increase of HDL-C (P=002) were obtained, even after adjustment for age, and baseline BMI, 25(OH)D and lipid levels (P<005). The percentage changes in 25(OH)D levels were associated with the variations of LDL-C (r=-044; P=001) and HDL-C levels (r=030; P=010). ConclusionCalcifediol administration in osteopenic and dyslipidemic postmenopausal women with low 25(OH)D improves lipid profile when added to an ongoing atorvastatin treatment.