New research from Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City is challenging current beliefs about Vitamin D supplementation and heart health.
While it’s well-known that low Vitamin D levels can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, these new findings suggest that the standard recommended doses may not be enough to protect patients at risk.
The U.S. currently recommends a daily intake of 600 to 800 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D. However, researchers at Intermountain Health found that many people—especially those recovering from heart-related events—need much more. In fact, some patients required more than 10,000 IU daily to reach healthy Vitamin D levels in their blood.
The studies were led by epidemiologist Dr. Heidi May and physician assistant scientist Viet T. Le. They believe that many past studies failed to show the benefits of Vitamin D simply because the doses used were too low. This might explain why some trials have not clearly linked Vitamin D supplements to better heart outcomes.
The researchers emphasized that Vitamin D treatment should be personalized. Just like other medications, the right dose of Vitamin D can vary from person to person. This is especially important for people who already have heart problems or are at high risk.
One of the main studies they conducted is called the Target-D clinical trial. It focused on people who had a heart attack, stroke, or similar cardiovascular event within 30 days before joining the study.
The goal was to raise their blood levels of Vitamin D—measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D—to at least 40 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), which was considered the ideal level.
The results were eye-opening. Nearly 90% of participants needed supplements, and many required doses much higher than current guidelines suggest. It also took a long time for some patients to reach the desired levels—often between three to six months, even with higher doses.
These findings suggest that current Vitamin D recommendations may not be effective for everyone, especially those dealing with heart issues. The researchers argue that medical professionals should consider tailoring Vitamin D doses to each individual instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.
This research may influence future clinical trials and how doctors approach Vitamin D treatment. It highlights the growing importance of personalized medicine, where treatments and dosages are adjusted based on a patient’s unique needs and health conditions.
In conclusion, Intermountain Health’s work serves as a wake-up call. For people at risk of heart disease, simply following the standard Vitamin D guidelines might not be enough. A more thoughtful, personalized strategy could help more patients achieve better heart health and avoid future complications.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about the blood thinner drug that can prevent strokes in people with hidden heart issues and new guidelines on daily aspirin for heart attack and stroke prevention.
For more about heart health, please read studies about This diabetes drug may increase heart failure risk and Common diabetes drug can also prevent heart and kidney diseases.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
