Can vitamin D reduce cardiovascular disease risk?

Can vitamin D reduce cardiovascular disease risk?

The Link Between Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Health

Image credit: Sam Burton/Stocksy

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Beyond its well-known benefits for bone strength, vitamin D also supports the immune system and helps regulate cellular functions in the body, including those of brain cells. Over the past few years, researchers have been uncovering additional potential health benefits of vitamin D, including its impact on cardiovascular health.

A recent study conducted by the Swiss Nutrition and Health Foundation in Epalinges, Switzerland, has revealed a link between lower vitamin D levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, the study did not find any association between normal vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or overall mortality, even when participants who took vitamin D supplementation were removed from the analysis. The findings were published in the journal Nutrients.

How Does Vitamin D Support Heart Health?

According to Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, vitamin D influences cardiovascular health through its effects on various cardiovascular risk factors. Some studies have found that low vitamin D levels can increase blood pressure, glucose resistance (a risk factor for diabetes), and levels of bad cholesterol, all of which contribute to cardiovascular problems. Additionally, previous research has shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and obesity, which is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Given these findings, Dr. Chen recommends that individuals regularly have their vitamin D levels checked by their primary care physician. For those with very low levels, vitamin D supplementation is recommended.

Conflicting Results on the Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation

Despite an abundance of research on vitamin D and cardiovascular disease, the results have been inconsistent. Dr. Pollyanna Patriota, a researcher at the Swiss Nutrition and Health Foundation and the lead author of the aforementioned study, emphasizes that there is no strong evidence to support the notion that vitamin D supplementation can improve heart health or prevent cardiovascular disease. Further investigation is needed to understand the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation for individuals at high cardiovascular disease risk and with vitamin D insufficiency.

As cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, prevention strategies that include dietary interventions are essential. Dr. Patriota suggests that larger studies should be conducted to clarify the impact of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular health.

Better Vitamin D Levels, Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk

The study by Dr. Patriota and her team involved nearly 5,700 participants from Lausanne, Switzerland, with slightly more women than men. All participants had their vitamin D levels categorized as normal, insufficient, or deficient. Over an average follow-up period of 14 years, researchers analyzed the participants’ health outcomes.

The findings indicated a correlation between higher vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, no link was observed between lower vitamin D levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related deaths or deaths from other causes. Dr. Patriota notes that this study focused on a specific population (apparently healthy individuals living in a community), and larger studies are needed to provide further insights into the impact of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular health.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Although the body can produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, supplementation is often necessary as natural sun exposure may not generate sufficient levels. Dietary supplements and foods rich in vitamin D, such as egg yolks, beef liver, certain mushrooms, fatty fishes (salmon, tuna, mackerel), and fish liver oil, can help increase vitamin D levels. Fortified foods, including milk, cheese, plant-based milk alternatives, orange juice, yogurt, and cereals, also contribute to vitamin D intake.

In general, vitamin D deficiency does not cause noticeable symptoms. Regular physician check-ups are crucial to monitor vitamin D levels. However, severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to symptoms such as bone aches or pain, muscle weakness or pain, hair loss, tiredness, and depression. Besides cardiovascular disease, research has also linked low vitamin D levels to an increased risk of infections, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, and certain types of cancer.

Vitamin D Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle for Heart Health

While vitamin D is important, it is unlikely to be the sole factor that determines cardiovascular health. Dr. Patriota highlights that inadequate diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption are the primary behavioral risk factors for heart health. Therefore, adopting a healthier lifestyle, including smoking cessation, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, is crucial for improving cardiovascular health.

However, it remains essential to detect and treat vitamin D deficiencies, especially in populations at risk. Dr. Patriota recommends that individuals at risk of vitamin D deficiency consult with healthcare professionals to assess their vitamin D levels and determine whether supplementation is necessary. Professional guidance is crucial to avoid potential complications such as hypercalcemia, hypercalcification of tissues, and kidney overload that can result from excessive vitamin D supplementation.

In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular health, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels is likely to contribute positively to overall cardiovascular well-being. Regular monitoring of vitamin D levels, combined with appropriate supplementation and lifestyle modifications, can play a significant role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving overall health.

*Note: The content of this article is based on the study conducted by the Swiss Nutrition and Health Foundation, and quotes from Dr. Cheng-Han Chen and Dr. Pollyanna Patriota.