The Method:

Researchers studied 1739 Framingham Offspring Study participants (mean age 59 years; 55% women; all white) without prior cardiovascular disease, but all had high blood pressure. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring vitamin D levels. Prespecified thresholds were used to characterize varying degrees of vitamin D deficiency. Low levels were considered 15ng/mL or less.

 

The Point:

Those who had low levels were twice as likely to have a heart attack, angina, stroke, heat failure, or other cardiovascular event than those who started with higher vitamin D levels. Vitamin D was not linked to heart disease in people without high blood pressure.

 

Take Home Message:

No matter what your blood pressure, healthy adults should take a daily vitamin D supplement. This would be 1,000 IU of vitamin D. This is for many reasons. We know it may lower your risk of brittle bones, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and periodontal disease. Now, with this possible link to heart disease—all the more reason to assure your vitamin D intake is up to par!

 

Karen Kelly, MPH, RD

mettlercenter.com