Open-label pilot study on vitamin D₃ supplementation for antipsychotic-associated metabolic anomalies

Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2013 Sep;28(5):275-82. doi: 10.1097/YIC.0b013e3283628f98.

Abstract

Previous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of vitamin D₃ supplementation on weight and glucose and lipid metabolism in antipsychotic-treated patients. A total of 19 schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients (BMI>27 kg/m²) taking atypical antipsychotics were recruited and dispensed a 2000 IU daily dose of vitamin D₃. On comparing baseline with week 8 (study end) results, we found a statistically significant increase in vitamin D₃ and total vitamin D levels but no statistically significant changes in weight, glucose, or lipids measurements. Patients whose vitamin D₃ level at week 8 was 30 ng/ml or more achieved a significantly greater decrease in total cholesterol levels compared with those whose week 8 vitamin D₃ measurement was less than 30 ng/ml. These results suggest that a randomized trial with a longer follow-up period would be helpful in further evaluating the effects of vitamin D₃ on weight, lipid metabolism, and on components of metabolic syndrome in antipsychotic-treated patients.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cholecalciferol / blood
  • Cholecalciferol / therapeutic use*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / epidemiology
  • Hypercholesterolemia / etiology
  • Hypercholesterolemia / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Massachusetts / epidemiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / etiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Middle Aged
  • Overweight / complications
  • Overweight / epidemiology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / blood
  • Psychotic Disorders / complications
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / metabolism
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia / blood
  • Schizophrenia / complications
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / metabolism
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / diet therapy*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / physiopathology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Cholecalciferol