It is becoming more and more recognized that vitamin D is crucial for more than just bone health, but also has important roles in areas including heart health, cancer prevention and autoimmune disease. In the cardiovascular system, vitamin D has been found to have positive effects on blood clotting, blood lipids, and smooth muscle cell growth, and also appears to have anti-inflammatory actions.
A recent study observed the associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D, the plasma form of the vitamin) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (the active form) with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. 3258 patients who were scheduled for coronary angiography had their levels of vitamin D assessed, and were followed-up for a period of almost 8 years. The results of the study found that patients with the lowest levels of 25-OH D were most at risk for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality compared to patients with the highest levels. Similar results were found with levels of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Vitamin D status was also significantly associated with markers of inflammation and oxidative damage. These results were independent of other potential factors such as coronary artery disease, physical activity level, and co-morbidities.
The study concluded that low vitamin D status can be considered a strong risk factor for all-cause mortality. In this study, approximately two-thirds of the patients had vitamin D levels below the cutoff for deficiency, which is consistent with a wealth of evidence that vitamin D deficiency is rampant. Supplementation with vitamin D may therefore be important for maintaining optimal health and reducing the risk of disease.
Dobnig H, Pilz S, Scharnagl H, Renner W, Seelhorst U, Wellnitz B, Kinkeldei J, Boehm B, Weihrauch G and Maerz W. Independent association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Arch Intern Med. June 23 2008; 168(12):1340-1349.
For more information see Vitamin D3
|
