Can daily supplements ward off infections? huge trial investigates
NCT ID NCT01758081
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether taking vitamin D and omega-3 (fish oil) supplements can lower the risk of infections like colds, flu, and urinary tract infections in healthy adults. It also measures a protein called hCAP18, which is part of the body's natural defense against germs. Over 25,000 people are taking part, but this is an observational analysis, not a test of a new treatment.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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25,874 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2010
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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50 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Participants in VITAL (NCT 01169259) are eligible to participate in this ancillary study. Please see NCT 01169259 for lists of inclusion and exclusion criteria.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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