04.18.08
Indication: Cardiovascular health
Source: Circulation, January 29, 2008;117(4):503-11.
Research: A growing body of evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may adversely affect the cardiovascular system, but data from longitudinal studies are lacking. For this study, researchers studied 1739 Framingham Offspring Study participants (mean age 59 years; 55% women; all white) without prior cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) levels. Pre-specified thresholds were used to characterize varying degrees of 25-OH D deficiency (< 15 ng/mL, < 10 ng/mL).
Results: Overall, 28% of individuals had levels < 15 ng/mL, and 9% had levels < 10 ng/mL. During a mean follow-up of 5.4 years, 120 individuals developed a first cardiovascular event. Those with levels < 15 ng/mL were 62% more likely to have a cardiovascular event versus those with 25-OH D levels higher than 15 ng/mL. Investigators concluded that vitamin D deficiency is associated with incident cardiovascular disease. But further clinical and experimental studies may be warranted to determine whether correction of vitamin D deficiency could contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease.