Low Vitamin D could Double Your Risk of Heart Disease
February is American Heart Month ❤️
February in Northern Michigan is often synonymous with low vitamin D (often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin”). Vitamin D (technically really a hormone) is made in our skin when we’re exposed to sunshine. We need it to absorb calcium for our bones and to keep our immune systems strong.
Now a just-released study out of the University of South Australia is the first to show that low levels of vitamin D put a person at risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.
The study used a genetic approach to compare actual vitamin D levels to cardiovascular risk. The study used information from close to 300,000 people from the UK Biobank. The results are considered to be strong statistical evidence for a link between vitamin D deficiency and heart disease. Here are some details:
➡️ The study defined sufficient vitamin D levels to be anything equal to or greater than 50 nmol/L.
➡️ Individuals with the lowest levels of vitamin D had more than double the risk of heart disease than those with sufficient levels.
➡️ The researchers estimated that improving people’s vitamin D status to 50 nmol/L or greater would prevent 4.4% of heart disease cases (maybe even up to 6%).
It’s not surprising that vitamin D would influence heart health. There are vitamin D receptors on heart tissue, and vitamin D could indirectly influence heart health through its effects on immune and inflammatory pathways.
I routinely check vitamin D levels on my patients and aim for an optimal level of 60-80mnol/L
You can boost your vitamin D levels by spending time in direct sunlight (without sunscreen), eating vitamin D-rich foods (fortified foods, oily fish, and mushrooms), or taking vitamin D supplements.
Have you had your vitamin D levels checked recently?
As a Functional Medicine physician, I use testing, diet, supplements (sometimes probiotics—but not for everyone!), and other lifestyle changes to support optimal gut health. Are you interested in learning more? Are you ready to start your health journey? Contact Us
Reference: Zhou A, Selvanayagam JB, Hyppönen E. Non-linear Mendelian randomization analyses support a role for vitamin D deficiency in cardiovascular disease risk. Eur Heart J. 2021.