The effects of vitamin D supplementation on physical function and quality of life in older patients with heart failure: a randomized controlled trial

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, commonly found in older patients with heart failure, may contribute to the chronic inflammation and skeletal myopathy that lead to poor exercise tolerance. We tested whether vitamin D supplementation of patients with heart failure and vitamin D insufficiency can improve physical function and quality of life. In a randomized, parallel group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with systolic heart failure aged >or=70 years with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels