Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for adults over 65. At the same time, many seniors have low levels of Vitamin D, which has been linked to heart problems.
Despite this connection, past studies have not shown that taking Vitamin D supplements helps prevent heart disease.
Now, new research from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers strong evidence that even higher doses of Vitamin D do not lower the risk of heart disease in older adults with low Vitamin D levels.
The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, tested whether Vitamin D could reduce two proteins in the blood that signal heart strain and damage. These proteins are often found at high levels in people with heart disease.
Dr. Katharine W. Rainer, the lead author of the study, explained that although earlier studies had suggested a link between low Vitamin D and higher heart risk, this new trial showed that Vitamin D supplements did not change the levels of these heart markers, even after two years of use.
The researchers used data from the STURDY study (Study to Understand Fall Reduction and Vitamin D in You), which looked at whether Vitamin D3 could reduce fall risk in people 70 years or older. All the participants had low Vitamin D levels.
The study included four groups, each receiving different doses of Vitamin D3 daily: 200, 1000, 2000, or 4000 international units (IU). The trial ran from 2015 to 2019 and was funded by the National Institute on Aging.
Researchers measured two heart-related proteins in the participants’ blood at the start of the study and again over the next two years. At first, those with lower Vitamin D levels had more of one of the proteins. But even after taking Vitamin D for two years, there was no reduction in these proteins, no matter the dose.
This was true for everyone, regardless of their age, sex, race, or whether they had high blood pressure or diabetes.
Dr. Stephen P. Juraschek, the senior author of the study, noted that even though low Vitamin D is linked to heart disease, this study shows that supplements don’t seem to help. He suggested that other factors, like spending time outdoors and being physically active, may be more important for heart health.
In summary, while low Vitamin D is associated with higher heart disease risk, taking supplements doesn’t lower that risk. This adds to the growing evidence that Vitamin D pills might not be useful for heart disease prevention. Future research should focus on other possible ways to protect the heart.
If you’re interested in heart health, you might want to read other studies that suggest apple juice and yogurt may support heart health. Also, research has linked Vitamin D deficiency with higher heart risk and found that zinc and vitamin B6 may help lower death risks in people with heart disease.
The full study is available in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about simple guide to a 7-day diabetes meal plan, and why you should add black beans to your plate.
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