While vitamin D is best known for its role in bone health, did you know it is also important for heart health? Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem, affecting up to 42% of adults in the United States. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart failure, and stroke.
-
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health.
-
Insufficient vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
-
Adequate vitamin D levels can help prevent heart failure and improve cardiovascular function.
-
Sun exposure and dietary sources are essential for obtaining sufficient vitamin D.
-
Supplemental vitamin D has not been shown to increase cardiovascular health.
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone that is essential for body health. It helps to absorb calcium and phosphorus to make strong bones. Vitamin D also has many other health benefits, including improving heart health.
Vitamin D is crucial to numerous bodily functions, including bone health, immune system regulation, and heart health. It is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because it is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It is also obtained through certain foods and supplements.
Note that vitamin D is the collective term for the group of specific fat-soluble vitamins that include vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.
Vitamin D3 is considered the more biologically active form, as the body can more efficiently convert it into the active hormone form of vitamin D, known as calcitriol.
Enjoy the full spectrum of vitamin D3 benefits with liposomal supplements.
Vitamin D and heart health
Adequate levels of vitamin D are necessary for maintaining heart health. The links between vitamin D and the heart are still being studied, but one thing scientists know for sure is that low levels of vitamin D have been linked to poor heart health.
Vitamin D has several effects on the heart that may help to improve heart health. These effects include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries
- Regulating blood pressure
- Strengthening the heart muscle
- Improving heart rhythm
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with several cardiovascular complications, including high blood pressure. While it is currently unknown why this happens, it is hypothesized that vitamin D works directly on the blood vessels.
Low vitamin D levels can make arteries stiff and inflamed, causing blood to have a more difficult time moving through them.
Diabetes has also been known to be associated with vitamin D deficiency, which is another condition that increases the risk of heart disease.
Other heart-related conditions that have been attributed to vitamin D deficiency include:
- High cholesterol
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Vitamin D and heart failure
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart failure. This is likely because vitamin D plays a role in many important processes for heart health, such as reducing inflammation and preventing plaque buildup in the arteries.
Some studies suggest that taking a vitamin D supplement can assist in reversing heart issues when patients have a vitamin D deficiency. Normalizing vitamin D levels with heart failure can help improve symptoms and outcomes. Having a normal level of vitamin D and taking vitamin D supplements may not prove to have any other effects on your heart health, though.
Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency
Several risk factors can contribute to lower levels of vitamin D in the body. Here are some common risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency:
- Inadequate sun exposure. Limited sun exposure due to lifestyle or regions with limited sunlight increases your risk for vitamin D deficiency.
- Age. Adults over age 65 are at higher risk of deficiency.
- Skin color. People with darker skin produce less vitamin D from sunlight.
- Obesity. People who are obese are more likely to be vitamin D deficient.
- Certain medical conditions. Some conditions such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and kidney disease can increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
- Certain medications. Some medications, such as steroids, can decrease the body's ability to absorb vitamin D.
If you suspect you have a vitamin D deficiency or are concerned about your risk factors, you should consult a doctor for guidance.
How to get enough vitamin D
The body can produce vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. However, many people need more sunlight, especially in winter. This can lead to vitamin D deficiency.
If you are unable to get enough sunlight, you can also increase your vitamin D levels by eating foods that are rich in vitamin D. Some good sources of vitamin D include:
- Fatty fish
- Fortified cereal
- Egg yolks
- Yogurt
- Orange juice
- Wild mushrooms
You may need to take vitamin D supplements if you cannot get enough from sunlight or food.
Vitamin D supplementation
The recommended daily vitamin D intake depends on age, sex, and overall health. Adults' recommended daily vitamin D intake is 600 international units (IU). However, some people may need more vitamin D, especially if they have a risk factor for heart disease or heart failure.
It is important to note that multiple studies found that supplements do not have the same effects on cardiovascular health as natural sources. Many of the heart health benefits from vitamin D come from sources such as sunlight.
Can you have too much vitamin D?
Yes, it is possible to have too much vitamin D. While vitamin D is essential for overall health, excessive intake can lead to toxicity, known as vitamin D toxicity (hypervitaminosis D).
This usually occurs from consuming high doses of supplements over an extended period. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Excessive thirst
- Kidney problems
This usually occurs from consuming high doses of supplements over an extended period. Following recommended dosages and consulting with a healthcare professional are crucial to avoid vitamin D toxicity.
Other risks of low vitamin D
In addition to an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure, low levels of vitamin D have also been linked to other health problems, including:
- Osteoporosis
- Rickets
- Cancer
- Depression
- Bone pain
- Fatigue
Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through proper sun exposure, diet, and supplementation can help reduce these risks and support overall well-being.
Vitamin D deficiency can have a significant impact on heart health. Individuals can reduce the risk of heart disease, heart failure, and other associated complications by optimizing vitamin D intake. Ensuring sufficient vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure, dietary sources, and supplementation is crucial for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
- JAMA Cardiology. Vitamin D Supplementation and Cardiovascular Disease Risks in More Than 83 000 Individuals in 21 Randomized Clinical Trials.
- American Heart Association. Vitamin D is good for the bones, but what about the heart?
- Mayo Clinic. Vitamin D deficiency: Can it cause high blood pressure?
- Biomed Central. Vitamin D deficiency and risk of cardiovascular diseases: a narrative review.
- American College of Cardiology. Vitamin D Supplements May Improve Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked