In the journals
Vitamin D deficiency is widely known as a risk factor for bone disorders such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. However, it may also increase your risk of having a heart attack or dying prematurely.
Vitamin D deficiency is defined by the Endocrine Society as a blood level of fewer than 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), whereas vitamin D sufficiency is defined as a blood level of 21 to 29 ng/mL. The optimal concentration is between 30 and 100 ng/mL.
Researchers identified 19,092 adults who failed at least two vitamin D tests and had never had a heart attack in a study published in October 2021 in The Journal of the Endocrine Society. Each person was assigned to one of three groups. Individuals in group A did not get treatment, and their blood levels remained less than 20 ng/mL. Vitamin D supplementation increased the levels of vitamin D in group B to between 21 and 29 ng/mL. Individuals in group C received sufficient supplements to boost their levels to 30 ng/mL or above.
The researchers discovered that group C had a reduced risk of heart attack than the other two groups. However, those in groups B and C (who took supplements consistently) had a reduced risk of dying from any cause than those in group A, who remained vitamin D deficient. What is the connection? Additionally, evidence has connected low vitamin D levels to cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease.
