Low vitamin D levels have long been linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but previous studies using standard supplementation doses failed to show measurable benefits. The Intermountain team aimed to test a more personalized strategy, adjusting supplementation based on blood levels rather than providing the same dose to all patients.
The TARGET-D trial enrolled 630 patients who had experienced a heart attack within one month of joining the study. Conducted from April 2017 to May 2023, with follow-up through March 2025, participants were randomly assigned to receive either no vitamin D management or active, targeted vitamin D3 treatment. The treatment group’s goal was to maintain blood vitamin D levels above 40 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). At enrollment, 85% of patients had levels below that threshold.
More than half of the patients in the treatment group required initial doses of 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3—far higher than the typical 600–800 IU daily recommendation. Blood levels were checked regularly, and doses were adjusted until the target range was achieved.
Researchers tracked major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure hospitalizations, or deaths. Of the 630 participants, 107 experienced such events. While the overall MACE rates did not differ significantly between the two groups, the risk of a second heart attack was reduced by half among those receiving targeted vitamin D therapy.
Researchers plan to expand their work with a larger clinical trial to confirm these promising findings and explore whether targeted vitamin D management can also reduce other cardiovascular complications.
Reference: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.