Recent research published in The BMJ has brought to light the potential benefits of Vitamin D supplements in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, in individuals over 60 years old.
This study, considered the largest of its kind, could be pivotal in understanding and managing heart health among the aging population.
The Australian-led D-Health Trial, conducted from 2014 to 2020, involved 21,315 participants aged 60-84. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either a monthly dose of 60,000 IU vitamin D or a placebo, for up to five years. Key findings include:
A 9% reduction in major cardiovascular events among those taking vitamin D supplements, equating to 5.8 fewer events per 1,000 participants.
A notable 19% decrease in heart attack rates and an 11% reduction in coronary revascularization in the vitamin D group. However, no significant difference in stroke rates was observed.
Indications of a stronger effect in participants who were already using statins or other cardiovascular drugs at the study’s commencement, although these results weren’t statistically significant.
The trial’s results suggest that for every 172 individuals taking vitamin D supplements monthly, one major cardiovascular event could be prevented. While the absolute risk difference might be small, the implications for public health, especially for the aging demographic, are considerable.
The study’s strengths include its large sample size, high participant retention and adherence rates, and comprehensive data on cardiovascular events and mortality outcomes.
However, limitations exist, such as the potential underestimation of events and the findings’ applicability to populations with a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.
These findings challenge the previous conclusion that vitamin D supplementation does not impact cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers advocate for further evaluation, particularly in people already on cardiovascular medications like statins.
In summary, this study opens up new avenues for using vitamin D supplementation as a preventive strategy against cardiovascular diseases in older adults.
While further research is needed to solidify these findings, the potential for vitamin D to play a key role in heart health is becoming increasingly evident.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and calcium supplements could harm your heart health.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies that artificial sweeteners in food linked to higher risk of heart disease, and results showing people who have the lowest heart disease and stroke risks.
The research findings can be found in The BMJ.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
