2.4. Statistics
Statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4 software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). The study was designed to show a statistically significant (The primary comparison was the change in the MV/MM group before and after treatment compared with the change in the placebo group before and after treatment. Tests for change in each group independently of the other were also performed. Effect modification by the blocking variables “prior MV/MM use” and “BMI” subgroup detected a statistically significant effect modification by prior MV/MM use; thus, MV/MM use by treatment was added to the final statistical model. In addition, effect modification by concurrent vitamin D use during the study detected a significant effect modification for vitamin D levels but no other vitamins and minerals; thus, current vitamin D use and the interaction between current vitamin D use and treatment were included in the final statistical model for vitamin D levels.For the comparison of baseline values and comparison of the changes in both groups, PROC GLM was used with the aforementioned fixed effects. For comparison of changes in only one of the two treatment groups, PROC UNIVARIATE 