Vitamin D and Heart Disease: How are They Linked?

Johns Hopkins recently conducted a study on vitamin D and heart disease that included more than 10,000 Americans. They found these results by looking at health records and surveys for almost 20 years.

• The risk of vitamin D deficiencies in those who exercised at the recommended levels was 31 percent lower for those who did so.
• Participants who were most active and had high levels of vitamin D had lower risk of developing future heart disease.
• Failure to exercise as recommended and the deficiencies were both very common.
• Participants who were not getting enough exercise, but had a high risk of developing heart disease, did not have a lower risk.

Cooper Complete offers vitamin D softgels in 25 mg (1000 IU) and 125 mg (5000 IU), to increase the levels. Dr. Cooper also developed 8 Healthy Steps that include exercise to get you cooperized and improve your overall health.

How Vitamin D and Heart Diseases are connected

Vitamin D is more than bone health. Numerous studies have shown that low levels are a risk factor in heart disease. There are many relationships between cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, multiple cancers, diabetes, diabetes, chronic pain and macular degeneration.

Cedric Garland DrPH, a well-known vitamin D expert, asserts that “the benefit of vitamin D as clear as the harmful connection between smoking and lung cancer.”

One study of 1,354 men aged 40-75 was published in The Archives of Internal Medicine in 2008. It showed that those who had low levels of vitamin D (blood levels less than 15ng/ml) were twice as likely to have a heart attack as those with higher levels. These heart attacks were also more likely to be fatal.

However, vitamin D levels in many parts of the world are falling according to studies. The majority of us spend most of our time indoors, working or enjoying indoor activities. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, sunscreen is becoming more important. A sunscreen with an SPF greater than 15 can reduce vitamin D synthesis by up to 99 percent.

What is it? Where does it come from?

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone, not a vitamin. It is made by the body from UVB sunlight that hits our skin. They can also be obtained from nutritional supplements, fortified cereals, and milk.

Vitamin D was discovered when children in New England developed rickets in the winter months. Rickets can cause softening of bones in children, which could lead to deformities and fractures. Steomalacia in adults is similar. Children’s bodies are unable to get enough sunlight due to wearing long pants, coats and hats during cold weather. It regulates calcium uptake, so many children’s bones didn’t properly calcify.

Is your vitamin D level high enough?

Only one way to find out your vitamin D level is a 25 hydroxyvitaminD blood test.

* Insufficiency is a level below 30 ng/ml. * Deficiency is a level lower than 20 ng/ml. * Toxicity is a level at least 150ng/ml

To put it in perspective, people living near the Equator (where UVB is most prevalent), have levels between 70 and 100 ng/ml.

There is no consensus on a common target level of vitamin D. Experts agree that it should not exceed 30 ng/ml. Cooper Clinic, Dallas, Texas recommends that patients aim for a minimum of 40 ng/ml.

How to supplement vitamin D levels

Supplements are one of the best ways you can increase your vitamin D levels. According to the research, the usage of Vitamin D-3 is more than D-2 and they’re more absorbable. The amount of Vitamin D-3 required varies depending on your age, skin color, location, weight, and other factors.

Dr. Garland and other doctors recommend a daily oral intake between 2,000 and 2,400 IUs of D-3 for adults. However, it is best to talk to your doctor about what your daily intake should be based upon your test results and other health concerns.

Two things are important to remember. First, don’t be shocked if your level drops. Your doctor may prescribe to you at 50,000 IU for a maximum of 8-12 weeks if your level is extremely low (less than 15-20 ng/ml). This is a “hyperdose” and it will quickly increase your blood levels. It’s not really alarming if you have a low level. It is simple and affordable to correct the problem.

Cooper Complete team contributed this article.