Calcium and Vitamin D modulate postprandial vascular function: A pilot dose-response study

Abstract

Background: Calcium and vitamin D may modulate postprandial endothelial function. Subjects and Methods: Seven lean, young males completed a single blind randomized crossover design where they consumed three breakfast meals containing varying calcium and vitamin D (meal 1 ~200 mg/15 IU, meal 2 ~450 mg/140 IU, and meal 3 ~700 mg/265 IU). Stiffness index (SI), reflective index (RI) and pulse rate (PR) were serially assessed from the digital volume pulse by photoplethysmography (Pulse Trace PT-1000, Micro Medical, UK). Results: Incremental areas under the curve over 3 h (Δ) were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. ΔPTH was significantly less suppressed with meal A than with meal B and C (P = 0.003). In contrast, ΔRI was significantly more suppressed following meal A than with either meal B or C (P = 0.021). ΔSI did not change with meal ingestion and there was no difference in the rise of Δglucose, Δinsulin and ΔPR between meals. Conclusion: Higher calcium and vitamin D at breakfast prevented the fall in postprandial vascular tone without changes in glucose or insulin.