Vitamin D Intake Linked to Lowered Risk of Fatal Heart Disease

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A new study published in the most recent edition of Diabetes Care has found that maintaining optimal level of vitamin D can severely reduce the risk of fatal heart disease.  We have long known of Vitamin D’s benefits when it comes to bone health, preventing various types of cancer, and preventing rickets.  This new research now shows that Vitamin D can even reduce your heart disease mortality risk by 66% to 75%.

The crucial term here is “optimal” Vitamin D intake.  While the vitamin D a nutrient that humans can get from sunlight, many American adults have a severe deficiency.  Since most Americans can’t produce enough vitamin D from the sunlight and diet alone, many doctors recommend supplementing your diet with vitamin D capsules.

The study focused on 1,800 people with metabolic syndrome, also known as MetS, for nearly eight years.  MetS is associated with obesity, hypertension, and poor glucose and insulin metabolism.  In the United States, 32% of adults are affected by metabolic syndrome. Researchers found that people with optimal levels of Vitamin D had a 66% lower chance of dying from cardiovascular disease and a 75% lower chance of dying from all causes over the course of the study.

Researchers attribute this link to better regulation of blood sugar, anti-inflammatory effects, and a better metabolism.  At the same time, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, poor bone health, common cancers, auto-immune disease, and heart disease.

It’s hard for someone to gauge their blood levels of Vitamin D, especially since we get much of it from the sun.  Many Americans have a vitamin D deficiency, particularly during the winter months.  This is why it is important for many people take the right kind of vitamin D supplements regularly.

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