Discover Breaking Research and Healthy Living Advice from Marc Lallanilla
Published By Marc Lallanilla on Nov. 27, 2023, at 5:10 p.m. ET
Vitamin D, commonly referred to as “the sunshine vitamin,” comes from our skin’s exposure to sunlight and is crucial for maintaining good health. It has been found to be essential for bone and teeth health, inflammation regulation, and immune system support. Recent research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023 conference suggests that the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D in the US may not be sufficient, especially for individuals with heart issues.
Researchers from Intermountain Health, a healthcare network in the western US, are currently conducting a clinical trial involving 632 participants who have suffered a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems. Preliminary results from their study indicate that the majority of participants needed significant amounts of vitamin D supplements, far more than the current recommended levels, to reach the optimal 40 nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter (ng/mL). In fact, 51% of participants required 5,000 to 8,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D, while 14.6% needed 10,000 IU or more to reach optimal levels.
The findings of the study suggest that previously established recommended levels of vitamin D might not be adequate. Previous studies have established a link between low levels of vitamin D and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist not involved in the study, noted that while the reasons behind this association are unclear, some experts believe that vitamin D receptors in cells within the vascular system are involved in promoting heart disease.
As the study continues, Dr. Heidi May, a cardiovascular epidemiologist with Intermountain Health, suggests that if achieving a vitamin D level of 40 ng/mL does reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, clinicians should be more proactive in testing and treating low vitamin D levels.
What’s Vitamin D?
Vitamin D, produced by the skin’s exposure to ultraviolet rays and found in certain foods and supplements, plays a critical role in the immune system and bone mineralization. The current recommendations for vitamin D intake are 400 IU for infants to 12 months, 600 IU for children and adults 1 to 70 years, 800 IU for adults over 70 years, and 600 IU for pregnant or lactating women.
While most people produce vitamin D through sun exposure, certain groups at risk of low levels include people with disabilities, infants, the elderly, and individuals living in far northern or southern latitudes during winter.
Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiencies in children can lead to bone diseases like rickets and are also linked to allergies. While short-term deficiencies don’t often show noticeable symptoms, chronic lack of vitamin D can lead to various health issues like bone fragility, muscle weakness, and neurological diseases.
Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese, beef liver, and mushrooms. Additionally, vitamin D-fortified milk, cereal, and juice can help supplement the production of vitamin D in the body.
For further details about the report, you can view it at The New York Post.
