Ancillary Studies

Although the main goal of VITAL is to test whether vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids can prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke, we will also assess whether these supplements confer other health benefits, such as lowering the risk for:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• memory loss or cognitive decline
• autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease,
rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus
• Other conditions (including infections, asthma,
depression, fractures, chronic knee pain symptoms,
and physical disability and falls).

Participants will hear more about these studies later. In addition, a small subgroup of participants will be invited to come for optional clinic visits to have more detailed studies.