The WHI was a 15-year research program designed to investigate the most common causes of death, disability and poor quality of life for postmenopausal women including cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis. The initiative was launched in 1991 and involved the clinical observation of 161,808 women. Clinical trials were focused on postmenopausal hormone therapy, dietary modification, and calcium and vitamin D supplementation of heart disease, fractures, and breast and colorectal cancer. The WHI was established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB).
Formulators of dietary needs for postmenopausal women seek ways of improving cardiovascular markers, as cardiovascular disease is a leading killer of this population in the U.S.