Daily Dose of D Exerts Heart-Protective Effects

Previous studies have linked low blood levels of Vitamin D with an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders and diseases.  JA Ford, from the University of Aberdeen (United Kingdom), and colleagues analyzed data collected in the Randomized Evaluation of Calcium or Vitamin D (RECORD) clinical study, and also completed a meta-analysis of other studies of Vitamin D supplementation.  RECORD enrolled 5./292 subjects, randomized to receive 800 IU/day of Vitamin D3; 1,000 mg/day of calcium; vitamin D and calcium; or placebo.  Following the subjects for 3 years, the data revealed that the risk of heart failure was reduced by 25% for the vitamin D groups, as compared to the groups taking no supplemental vitamin D.   The meta-analysis involved 21 selected studies totaling 13,033 subjects, median age of 60 years.  It found that the risk of heart failure was reduced by 18% for subjects taking a daily Vitamin D supplement, as compared to placebo.  The study authors write that: “Vitamin D supplementation might protect against cardiac failure in older people.”