HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Vitamin D, a vital nutrient essential for overall health, plays a multifaceted role in maintaining the body's well-being. While it is known for its contribution to bone health, vitamin D also bolsters the immune system and regulates cellular functions, including those within brain cells.

Recent years have witnessed an expanding body of research uncovering potential health benefits beyond its conventional roles, with a focus on cardiovascular health. A study conducted by scientists at the Swiss Nutrition and Health Foundation in Epalinges, Switzerland, has now added a significant dimension to this exploration by revealing a connection between lower vitamin D levels and an elevated risk of cardiovascular events.

The study, published in the journal Nutrients, examined the relationship between vitamin D levels and cardiovascular health, shedding light on important nuances. Intriguingly, it found no association between individuals with normal vitamin D levels and lower risks of cardiovascular disease or overall mortality, even after excluding participants who took vitamin D supplements.

Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, who was not involved in the study, elucidated the intricate link between vitamin D and cardiovascular health. "Some studies have shown that very low vitamin D levels will increase someone's blood pressure, which is a risk factor. Other studies found that a low vitamin D level could impact glucose resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. And other studies have shown that low vitamin D levels could increase levels of bad cholesterol, which again is a risk factor for cardiovascular problems," he explained.

Moreover, previous research has unveiled a connection between vitamin D deficiency and obesity, another risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Pollyanna Patriota, a researcher at the Swiss Nutrition and Health Foundation and the study's first author, emphasised the inconsistency in findings regarding the impact of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease. She noted, "The role of vitamin D in cardiovascular disease is still debated, and there is no strong evidence that vitamin D supplementation can improve heart health." She called for further investigations into whether vitamin D supplementation benefits individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease with vitamin D insufficiency.

The study, conducted in Lausanne, Switzerland, involved nearly 5,700 participants, with a slight majority being women. These participants were categorised based on their vitamin D levels, which were classified as normal, insufficient, or deficient. Over an average of approximately 14 years, researchers monitored their health.

Results revealed a compelling correlation between higher vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the study did not find any link between lower vitamin D levels and increased cardiovascular disease-related mortality or overall mortality.

Dr. Patriota emphasised the importance of larger studies to elucidate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular health, particularly in populations at risk of vitamin D deficiency. She stated, "Vitamin D supplementation for the general population is not recommended in most countries. People at risk of vitamin D deficiency need to adequately measure their vitamin D level. If the risk or diagnosis of deficiency or insufficiency is identified by a specialised professional, the supplement can be prescribed."

While vitamin D is undoubtedly a critical component of overall health, it is essential to recognise that it is not a singular panacea for cardiovascular health. Dr. Patriota stressed the need for comprehensive lifestyle changes, including dietary improvements, physical activity, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption, to address the multifaceted aspects of cardiovascular health.

Source

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-vitamin-d-help-lower-cardiovascular-disease-risk