Heated studies are shining the light on how this group of fat-soluble prohormones can not only help the body absorb calcium to prevent osteoporosis, but may also increase heart health by reducing the risks of heart attacks. Most of the evidence is coming from discovering a link between heart disease and a lack of Vitamin D, “Those with low vitamin D levels,” says Will Dunham of Reuters, “had about a 60 percent higher risk of a cardiovascular event like heart attack, heart failure or stroke compared to those with higher levels..."
Research thus far has not turned up how, exactly, Vitamin D prevents heart disease. But then no one really knows how quantum physics works or why Jerry Lewis is so popular in France. The point is Vitamin D seems to be working in promoting heart health as well as bone health. Caroline Cassels states in her online article that, “Vitamin D supplementation in stroke patients has already been shown to reduce osteopenia, fractures, and falls while improving muscle strength.” And Dunham agrees that, “People with low vitamin D levels face an elevated risk for heart attack, heart failure and stroke.”
Though more research needs to be conducted, another study performed by Finnish scientists who followed 6,000 people for over 25 years resulted in “those with the highest D intake were significantly less likely to die of either stroke or heart disease”, compared to those with low D intake. (RealAge.com).
However, getting enough vitamin D may not be as easy as going to the beach according to Cassels, “Low levels of vitamin D are considered 1 of the most common medical conditions worldwide; it is estimated that more than 50% of children and adults in the united States and Europe are at risk” (Medscape.com). There aren’t many foods rich in this bone strengthening substance but experts say, “Exposure to 10 to 15 minutes of sunshine three times weekly is enough to produce necessary Vitamin D levels” (Reuters).
What if you’ve already suffered heart attack or just have weak bones? Well another way to stay health conscious is to have an at home Medical Alert system at the ready in case of an emergency. Though the Medical Alert dispatchers might not know your vitamin D level, they do know that once signs of a heart attack or stroke occur getting you medical help quickly is as important to saving your life as Vitamin D is to saving bone density.
RealAge’s Scientific Advisory Board recommends “anyone 60 or younger get 1000 international units (IU) per day” of vitamin D, which for some of us may be a lot easier than watching a Jerry Lewis marathon in French.
Works Cited
Cassels, Caroline. “Low Vitamin D Levels Independent Predictor of Fatal Stroke.” 24 July 2008. December 2009
Dunham, Will. “Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Heart, Stroke Risk.” Reuters. 7 January 2008. December 2009
“Make Strokes Less Deadly with This Vitamin.” RealAge. December 2009
