Vitamin D deficiency may raise risk of cardiovascular events

Chicago, November 27: For decades lower levels of Vitamin D have been associated with brittle bones and raised cancerdefine risk, but now a new American research suggests that it may affect the cardiovascular system too.

Nicknamed the "sunshine vitamin" because of its unique characteristic of being produced by the body upon exposure to the warm sun, researchers believe that lack of sun exposure, typically in winters further aggravates the cardiovascular complications.

The study embarked at the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing at Loyola University in Chicago reviewed a number of earlier studies that linked chronic vitamin D deficiency to heart disease.

Interestingly, while the results did confirm the link, the incidence of severe heart disease or death was 30-50 percent higher in sun-deprived heart disease patients, researchers marked.

In addition, a chronic Vitamin D deficiency played a crucial role in causing cardiovascular troubles like heart disease, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. It also made a person more susceptible to developing diseases like type 1 diabetesdefine, multiple sclerosis.

Recommending an optimum intake of Vitamin D, 400 IU per day for adults as per the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance), diet alone is not sufficient to manage vitamin D levels, researchers cautioned.

While Vitamin D occurs naturally in oily fish and eggs, in some countries foods such as milk, margarine, oil spreads, yogurt, breakfast cereal and bread are now being fortified with Vitamin D.

Vitamin D could also be sought through supplements available in capsules, tablets, as well as drops.

As vitamin D deficiency is not routinely tested, study’s lead author Sue Penckofer advised, "Adults at risk for heart disease and others who experience fatigue, joint pain, or depressiondefine should have their vitamin D levels measured."

Also, one should not start Vitamin D supplements until a deficiency is diagnosed. An overdose of the vitamin may lead to vitamin D toxicity. An excess of vitamin D causes hypercalcemia (abnormally high concentrations of calcium in blood) which causes overcalcification of the bones, soft tissues, and kidneys. It can also cause irreversible kidney damage.

Researchers also warn against excessive sun exposure as it increases the risk of developing skin cancerdefine.