Vitamin D Supplementation Appears to Increase Plasma Aβ40 in Vitamin D Insufficient Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

J Alzheimers Dis. 2016 Mar 31;52(3):843-7. doi: 10.3233/JAD-150901.

Abstract

Low plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) is linked to Alzheimer's disease. Since vitamin D cleared brain Aβ in vitro, this 8-week trial examined whether vitamin D increased plasma Aβ40. Vitamin D insufficient adults (6/18 M/F; 64.3 ± 10.9 y) were randomized to placebo or vitamin (50,000 IU/week) treatments. The vitamin group experienced greater plasma Aβ40 change than controls, +14.9 ± 12.0 and +12.8 ± 12.8 pg/mL (p = 0.045; effect size, 0.228). Change in Aβ40 for older participants (≥60 y) was +18.3 ± 33.6 and -3.2 ± 44.5 pg/mL for vitamin (n = 4) and placebo (n = 4) groups (effect size, 0.295). Thus, vitamin D may increase plasma Aβ, particularly in older adults, suggesting decreased brain Aβ.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; P-glycoprotein; amyloid-β; plasma Aβ; vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / blood*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Calcifediol / administration & dosage*
  • Calcifediol / blood
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Peptide Fragments / blood*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / diet therapy*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / psychology

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Biomarkers
  • Peptide Fragments
  • amyloid beta-protein (1-40)
  • Calcifediol