Cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasing around the world. According to the World Health Organization, CVDs are the main cause of death worldwide, taking around 17.9 million lives each year. Researchers examine the factors that contribute to MCVs, in particular heart attacks, and its link with vitamin D deficiency has received in popularity recently. Is there a link between vitamin D deficiency and heart attacks? Let’s take a look. What is vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as “Sunshine Vitamin”, is a soluble nutrient in essential fat to maintain healthy bones, support immune function and promote general well-being. The body produces it when exposed to the sun, and it is also in certain foods and supplements. Residents of developed countries can have insufficient levels, in particular those with exposure limited to the sun or darker skin tones.Link between vitamin D deficiency and heart attacks
Several studies have identified an association between low levels of vitamin D and cardiovascular problems, including sudden heart attacks. Although observational studies have constantly shown a link between vitamin D levels and the risk of MCV, randomized controlled trials have found no evidence that vitamin D supplements prevent cardiovascular events. To see if there is a link, Australian researchers conducted a test (2014-2020) among the elderly. 2023 study Involved 21,315 participants aged 60 to 84, who were randomly assigned to receive 60,000 IUs of vitamin D or a monthly placebo up to five years. The researchers also collected data on admissions to the hospital and deaths to identify the main cardiovascular events, in particular heart attacks, strokes and coronary revascularization (treatment to restore normal blood flow to the heart).During the trial, most participants (80%) regularly took their tablets over five years. The researchers found that those who had received vitamin D had a 9% lower rate of major heart events compared to the placebo group. The rate of heart attack was 19% lower and the coronary revascularization rate was 11% lower in the vitamin D group, but there was no difference in the rate of stroke between the two groups. The results suggested that vitamin D supplementation could reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. “This protective effect could be more marked in those who take statins or other cardiovascular drugs at the start,” said the researchers.
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Another 2021 study revealed that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of heart disease in people with dark skin. Although most dark pigmented people run a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, especially in areas with less sun exposure, considerably reduces the risk of blood vessels, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. “Vitamin D supplementation is a simple and safe strategy to ensure sufficiency in vitamin D. Our results suggest that promoting the adequate status of vitamin D in young people, if not healthy adults, could improve the availability of nitric oxide and the function of blood vessels, and thus serve prophylactic to reduce the risk of future development of hypertension or cardiovascular disease, “said the researcher.
A 2019 Michigan State University study found that taking vitamin D supplements did not really reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The large -scale study noted that vitamin D supplements have not reduced the incidence of heart attacks, strokes or other major unwanted cardiovascular events. “We thought it would show advantages. It did not even show a small advantage. It was surprising,” said the researchers. They also suggested thinking twice before taking vitamin D to reduce the risk of a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems. “We do not recommend taking vitamin D to reduce this risk,” they said. What you should do
THE Nih Recommends a daily intake of 600 IU of vitamin D (mainly foods) for people aged 1 to 70 and 800 IU for adults aged 71 and over. While vitamin D deficiency is linked to cardiovascular disease, going too far with supplements is not recommended. Get too much can cause negative effects, including high levels of calcium in the blood or kidney stones. To obtain an adequate vitamin D, get an accidental exposure to the sun. In addition, eat foods rich in vitamin D, including fatty fish, enriched dairy products and cereals and certain mushrooms.Also see a doctor before taking supplements.
