Effects of vitamin D supplementation combined with resistance exercise on body composition and metabolic variables in older women: a randomized clinical trial
High-dose vitamin D didn't boost muscle or metabolism beyond exercise alone, so combining them isn't a worthwhile strategy for older women.
A 12-week double-blind RCT (n=46 older women) found that high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation (49,000 IU/week) combined with resistance exercise significantly raised serum vitamin D levels but did not improve body composition or metabolic parameters beyond resistance exercise alone. This null result informs against routine high-dose vitamin D supplementation as an adjunct to exercise programs in older women.
What the study was
- Study design
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
- Population
- Elderly women, Brazil
- Sample size
- 46
- Category
- Prevention
- Maturity
- Exploratory
- Journal
- Clinics (Sao Paulo)
Why it surfaced
Well-designed RCT with null result; clinically informative for aging intervention planning; small n=46 limits power.
A plain-language summary of published research — not medical advice. Talk to a clinician about your own care.