ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many of the characteristics of metabolic syndrome, but whether supplementation with vitamin D2 would improve insulin sensitivity or metabolic risk factors is not known. AIM: To investigate effects of vitamin D2 supplementation on insulin sensitivity and metabolic parameters in metabolic syndrome patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An 8-week, prospective randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel trial was conducted in patients with metabolic syndrome. Ninety patients were equally randomized to receive vitamin D2 40,000 IU per week, vitamin D2 20,000 IU per week, or placebo. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: At week 8, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were increased significantly in both vitamin D2 groups (i.e., 20,000 IU and 40,000 IU) when compared with placebo group (11.72 ng/ml vs 2.80 ng/ml; p<0.001 and 15.74 ng/ml vs 2.80 ng/ml; p<0.001, respectively). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations in both vitamin D2 treatment groups were also significantly different (p=0.04). Insulin sensitivity assessed by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at week 8 in the three groups was not significantly different (p=0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D2 20,000 IU per week and 40,000 IU per week given for 8 weeks, were able to increase serum 25(OH)D concentrations significantly more than placebo group. However, HOMA-IR was not significantly different in the three groups. Our results do not support a positive effect of vitamin D2 on metabolic risk factors.
Subject(s)
Ergocalciferols/administration & dosage , Insulin Resistance , Metabolic Syndrome/drug therapy , Vitamin D/analogs & derivatives , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Dietary Supplements , Double-Blind Method , Ergocalciferols/therapeutic use , Female , Homeostasis , Humans , Male , Metabolic Syndrome/metabolism , Middle Aged , Models, Biological , Placebos , Vitamin D/bloodABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To present the concept of nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) and the pharmacologic approaches, nonprescription and prescription, to smoking cessation. DATA SOURCES: Current clinical literature. DATA SYNTHESIS: NRT can be delivered through a number of different nicotine-containing dosage forms (e.g., gum, patch, nasal spray, oral inhaler). The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) recommends using the nicotine patches for routine clinical practice and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends the use of the patches and gum as initial pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation. There are no comparative studies indicating the superiority of one form or another at relieving nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Of the other pharmacologic agents used for smoking cessation, bupropion hydrochloride demonstrates the most promise. CONCLUSION: The pharmacist can assist the consumer with the selection of an OTC smoking cessation product and serve as an informational resource to consumers and physicians desiring information on prescription drug products for smoking cessation.
