Vitamin D deficit may up heart disease risk

New Delhi, Nov 24 : A new study has revealed that chronic vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome.

According to the study, conducted by researchers at the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing at Loyola University in Chicago, lack of sunshine during winter may diminish vitamin D levels in the body and harm cardiovascular health, reports Xinhua.

The study said that the body needs sunshine to produce vitamin D, but that process is slowed in the winter due to less daylight and spending more time indoors.

The researchers reviewed a number of studies that linked vitamin D deficiency to heart disease. The studies said rates of severe heart disease or death may be 30 percent to 50 percent higher in sun-deprived heart disease patients.

Diet alone isn't sufficient to manage vitamin D levels, said the study. Treatment options, such as vitamin D2 or D3, may decrease the risk of severe heart disease or death.

The study suggested that the preferred range in the body is 30-60 ng/mL of 25 (OH) vitamin D.

"Most physicians do not routinely test for vitamin D deficiency. However, most experts would agree that adults at risk for heart disease and others who experience fatigue, joint pain, or depression should have their vitamin D levels measured," said study author Sue Penckofer.

The study was published in the November issue of the journal Circulation.

ANI