Recent research has linked inadequate vitamin D status to
non skeletal major chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular
diseases [8]. Existing data from laboratory studies, epidemiologic
and experimental research and prevention trials, suggest
that vitamin D reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, and
a large, randomized, primary prevention trial, with adequate
dosing, combining cholecalciferol and omega-3 fatty acids,
is ongoing: the VITAL study. Poor vitamin D status was
associated with cardiovascular and overall mortality, despite
unconvincing results of vitamin D supplementation on mortality
[13]. Food-based strategies for enhancement of vitamin
D status in the population could lower cardiovascular risk if
a causal link between low vitamin status and cardiovascular
pathology would be demonstrated [14].