Researchers have found in a new study that daily oral vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU; 40-67 IU/kg body weight) for 42 days was associated with a reduction in diastolic blood pressure but an increase in serum LDL, VLDL, and triglyceride levels. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify their clinical significance. The study was published in the Veterinary Medicine and Science journal by Parnia K. and colleagues.
This interventional study included eight mixed-breed healthy male adult dogs. A dose of 1000 IU/day orally of vitamin D₃ was administered to each dog, equivalent to approximately 40–67 IU/kg body weight, given for a total of 42 days. Baseline measurements were obtained on day 0, with follow-ups done on days 14, 28, and 42. Evaluated parameters included serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], lipid profile components (HDL, LDL, VLDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides), blood glucose, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) concentration, systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure, and carotid tunica intima–media thickness.
Key findings
• Serum 25(OH)D levels increased steadily throughout the study.
• There were statistically significant differences in levels from day 0 to 14, 14 to 28, and 28 to 42.
• Diastolic blood pressure also decreased throughout the study. Values for it were significantly lower on day 42 compared with other values throughout the study.
• Serum lipid levels also increased.
• Triglycerides were increased on day 42 compared with values on days 0, 14, and 28.
• LDL values were increased on days 28 and 42 compared with values on day 0. VLDL values were increased on day 42 compared with values on days 14 and 28.
• Values for systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, and Carotid Tunica Intima-Media thickness were not significantly different throughout the study.
• Serum HDL levels also were not significantly altered throughout the study.
• Total serum cholesterol levels were also not different throughout the study.
• Initially, blood glucose levels decreased from day 0 to 28.
• Values then increased from day 28 to 42, so that the value at the end of the study was the same as that at the beginning.
The results implicate a differential role of vitamin D supplements in modulating the heart, with a marginal favorable effect on diastolic blood pressure and simultaneously increasing potentially atherogenic lipid components. The decrease in diastolic BP may be attributed to the regulation of renin-angiotensin systems or vascular tone mediated by vitamin D supplements. However, the rise in levels of LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides is a concern for lipid metabolism with potential long-term risks despite being a benign subject. Notably, a lack of change in carotid tunica intima-media thickness indicates a lack of imminent vascular alterations despite short-term use.
Reference:
Khorrami, P., Abhaji Ezzabadi, E., Derakhshandeh, N., Tabatabaie Naeini, A., Karimi, S., Ashrafi, M., & Nazifi, S. (2026). Vitamin D Supplementation and Its Effects on Blood Glucose, Serum Lipid Profile, Blood Pressure, and Carotid Tunica Intima-Media Thickness in Healthy Adult Male Dogs. Veterinary medicine and science, 12(1), e70735. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.70735
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