Is there a link between Vitamin D deficiency and heart attacks?
Recent studies explore the connection between vitamin D deficiency and heart attacks, revealing inconsistent findings. An Australian trial indicated that vitamin D supplementation might lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, particularly heart attacks and coronary revascularization. However, other research, including a Michigan State University study, found no significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk with vitamin D supplements.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are on the rise across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, CVDs are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year.
Researchers are looking at the factors that contribute to CVDs, especially heart attacks, and its link with Vitamin D deficiency has been gaining popularity of late. 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 the 'sunshine vitamin', is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for maintaining healthy bones, supporting immune function, and promoting overall well-being.
The body produces it when exposed to sunlight, and it's also found in certain foods and supplements. People in developed nations may have insufficient levels, particularly those with limited sun exposure or darker skin tones.
Link between vitamin D deficiency and heart attacks
Multiple studies have identified an association between low vitamin D levels and cardiovascular issues, including sudden heart attacks. Though observational studies have consistently shown a link between vitamin D levels and CVD risk, randomised controlled trials have found no evidence that vitamin D supplements prevent cardiovascular events.
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To see if there is a link, the Australian researchers conducted a Trial (2014–2020) in older adults.
The 2023
study
involved 21,315 participants aged 60–84, who were randomly assigned to receive either 60,000 IU of vitamin D or a placebo monthly for up to five years. The researchers also collected data on hospital admissions and deaths to identify major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and coronary revascularisation (treatment to restore normal blood flow to the heart).
During the trial, most participants (80%) took their tablets regularly over five years. The researchers found that those who received vitamin D had a 9% lower rate of major heart-related events compared to the placebo group. The rate of heart attack was 19% lower and the rate of coronary revascularization was 11% lower in the vitamin D group, but there was no difference in the rate of stroke between the two groups. The findings suggested that vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.
'This protective effect could be more marked in those taking statins or other cardiovascular drugs at baseline,' the researchers said.
Representative image.
Another 2021 study found that vitamin D supplementation lowered the risk of heart disease in people with dark skin. Though most of the darkly pigmented people are at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, especially in areas with less sun exposure, supplementation drastically reduces the risk of blood vessel dysfunction, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
"Vitamin D supplementation is a simple and safe strategy to ensure vitamin D sufficiency.
Our findings suggest that promoting adequate vitamin D status in young, otherwise healthy adults may improve nitric oxide availability and blood vessel function, and thereby serve as a prophylactic to reduce the risk of future development of hypertension or cardiovascular disease," the researcher said.
Easy ways to increase your Vitamin D intake
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 did not decrease the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, or other major adverse cardiovascular events. "We thought it would show some benefit. It didn't show even a small benefit. This was surprising," the researchers said. They also suggested thinking twice before taking vitamin D to reduce the risk of a heart attack or other cardiovascular issues.
"We don't 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 (mostly from foods) for people ages 1-70 and 800 IU for adults ages 71 and older. While vitamin D deficiency is linked to cardiovascular diseases, going overboard with supplements is not recommended. Getting too much can lead to adverse effects, including high calcium levels in the blood or kidney stones.
To get adequate vitamin D, get incidental sun exposure. Also, eat vitamin D-rich foods, including fatty fish, fortified dairy products and cereals, and certain mushrooms.
Also, consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
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