Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Barrett, Sheila
Degree Name
M.S. (Master of Science)
Legacy Department
School of Health Studies
Abstract
Background: Vitamin D, a fat-soluble nutrient essential for bone health and calcium homeostasis, has also been implicated in cardiovascular health outcomes. Despite extensive observational studies suggesting an inverse association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded inconsistent findings regarding the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Objective: This study investigated the association between reported vitamin D supplement intake and cardiovascular health biomarkers, specifically focusing on non-HDL cholesterol, among U.S. adults using NHANES 2021-2023 data.
Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative analysis was conducted utilizing secondary data from NHANES. Participants aged 18 and above with complete data on vitamin D supplementation, serum vitamin D levels, and lipid profiles were included. Statistical analyses, including bivariate and multivariate regressions, were conducted using SPSS to assess the association between vitamin D supplement use and non-HDL cholesterol levels, adjusting for demographic variables.
Results: The analysis revealed no statistically significant association between reported vitamin D supplement intake and non-HDL cholesterol levels in the study population. Additionally, subgroup analysis across age, gender, and race/ethnicity did not demonstrate consistent patterns indicating beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation on non-HDL cholesterol levels. These findings align with previous large-scale RCTs and meta-analyses that reported limited evidence supporting the cardiovascular benefits of vitamin D supplementation.
Conclusion: While vitamin D supplementation remains essential for skeletal health, its role in cardiovascular health improvement, particularly in lowering non-HDL cholesterol, remains inconclusive. Future research should emphasize longitudinal studies and randomized trials focusing on at-risk subpopulations with confirmed vitamin D deficiency to elucidate the potential cardiovascular benefits of supplementation.
Recommended Citation
Ruhin, Lamisa Tanzim, "The Association of Vitamin D Supplement Intake on Cardiovascular Health Outcomes Among U.S. Adults, Using NHANES Data." (2025). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 8135.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/8135
Extent
83 pages
Language
en
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
