Lack of vitamin D boosts risk of heart disease

New research released today (September 24th) shows that a higher risk of heart attack and early death can be linked to low levels of vitamin D.

The University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen University Hospital's study involved over 10,000 Danes and has been published in the American journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.

Traditionally, low levels of vitamin D have been linked to poor bone health. Outcomes from various population studies signify that in addition to unhealthy bones, a lack of vitamin D is linked to an increased risk of coronary arteriosclerosis, angina and ischemic heart disease – a designation that covers heart attack.

Various other studies show that a deficiency in vitamin D might increase blood pressure, which is linked to a larger risk of heart attack.

Dr Peter Brondum-Jacobsen, of the clinical biochemical department at Copenhagen University Hospital, explained that low levels of vitamin D may produce a 40 per cent higher risk of ischemic heart disease, 57 per cent increased risk of early death, 64 per cent higher risk of heart attack and, an 81 per cent higher risk of death from heart disease.

Scientists compared the five per cent with the lowest levels of vitamin D (less than 15 nanomoles of the vitamin per litre serum) with the 50 per cent who had highest levels (over 50 nanomoles per litre serum). In Denmark, the current recommendation for vitamin D status is at least 50 nanomoles per litre serum.

The increased risks were clear to see for the team, who adjusted the results to include various other factors influencing the risk of death and disease in order to avoid bias.

The Copenhagen City Heart Study measured participant levels of vitamin D in blood samples from 1981-83 until the present.

Scientists are now trying to find out whether a genuine causal relationship exists between the risk of heart disease and low levels of vitamin D.

Posted by Fiona Griffiths