Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is not only good for your bones, but also your heart, say health experts, even as they look at its effects among the Indian population and Also called for more research. A study published in the European Heart Journal found evidence that vitamin D deficiency may increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. Researchers from the University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute said it is worthwhile to check vitamin D levels when assessing a person’s cardiovascular risk.
“Vitamin D affects the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway, which regulates blood pressure. Adequate vitamin D levels can help maintain healthy blood pressure,” Dr Dixit Garg, Consultant – Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in two main forms: D-2 and D-3. As an essential micronutrient obtained primarily from sunlight and some foods, vitamin D is important for the development of bones and teeth and for the regular functioning of the immune system.
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A recent study published by the BMJ showed that people over the age of 60 who took vitamin D supplements had a 9 percent lower risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks. The rate of heart attack was 19 percent lower in the vitamin D group and the rate of coronary revascularization was 11 percent lower, but there was no difference in the rate of stroke between the two groups.
“Vitamin D receptors are present throughout the cardiovascular system that are able to convert vitamin D into its active form, which inhibits inflammation and also affects blood vessels,” Dr. Tushar Tayal, Principal Consultant, Internal Medical Department, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.
“For this reason, it has been postulated that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with heart disease, but research has shown no significant difference in the incidence of heart attacks among individuals taking a vitamin D supplement compared to those not taking it.” ” ,
Another recent study from the University of Eastern Finland showed that elderly men and women who took vitamin D supplements for five years had a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heart rhythm.
Vitamin D is essential for proper metabolic functioning of the body. People who live in areas where there is little sunlight, such as places where the weather is mostly rainy or cloudy, are more likely to have low levels of vitamin D.
“In India, we have to be exposed to the sun a lot. Hence, Vitamin D levels are not that low in Indians. However, we do not yet have norms for the Indian population. So, we follow the levels defined by Americans and Europeans, and don’t know if it holds true among the Indian population,” top cardiologist Dr Naresh Trehan, chairman and managing director of Medanta Hospital, told IANS. told.
While people who are adequately exposed to the sun will have enough vitamin D, with modern lifestyles, many people do not get enough sunlight because we are always indoors in air-conditioned spaces. In that case, people may need supplements, he said.
Dr. Garg told that apart from heart and bones, vitamin D also plays a major role in diabetes.
“Vitamin D is essential for optimal glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Diabetes is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, and vitamin D deficiency may contribute to insulin resistance and impaired glucose management.
Proper vitamin D levels have also been linked to a lower risk of certain diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
“Low level of Vitamin D is not good for metabolic cycle and enzymes of the body. That’s why supplements are good. It also contributes to bone formation and normal metabolism. Hence, it is an important component of our metabolic system,” said Dr Trehan.
Although vitamin D supplements generally have no adverse effects on the heart, “but if you take an overdose and take 10 times the amount, you will have toxic effects,” he said.