A review from Wartick University researchers shows that
higher levels of vitamin D starting in mid-life can substantially
reduce the risk of cardiometabolic disorders in older individuals.
The researchers found that compared to people with lower levels
of vitamin D, heart disease, and Type II diabetes risk drops when
higher levels of vitamin D are present in the body.
Foods that are fortified with vitamin D or with high levels
include salmon, tuna, and mackerel can raise vitamin D levels,
potentially fending off type II diabetes and heart disease.
Taking supplements of vitamin D3 can also boost vitamin D levels.
The researchers analyzed 28 studies that included 99,745
participants to find that higher levels of vitamin D yielded a
33 percent reduction in the risk of heart disease, and a 55 percent
lower risk of developing Type II diabetes among men and women
from various ethnicities. The chances of developing metabolic
syndrome declined by 51 percent for older adults with higher levels
of vitamin D, compared to those with lower levels.
Metabolic syndrome is described by the American Heart Association
as a group of risk factors for disease that includes: "Abdominal obesity
(excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen) Atherogenic
dyslipidemia (blood fat disorders — high triglycerides, low HDL
cholesterol, and high LDL cholesterol — that foster plaque buildups
in artery walls) Elevated blood pressure Insulin resistance or
glucose intolerance (the body can’t properly use insulin or blood sugar)
Prothrombotic state (e.g., high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor–1
in the blood) Proinflammatory state (e.g., elevated C-reactive protein in the blood) "
According to Dr. Oscar Franco, Assistant Professor in Public Health at
Warwick Medical School, "We found that high levels of vitamin D
among middle age and elderly populations are associated with
a substantial decrease in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome".
The finding that higher levels of vitamin D could reduce heart
disease risk, diabetes type II, and metabolic syndrome
are significant for public health.
Consume foods that are fortified with or contain vitamin D naturally, or speak
with your doctor about taking vitamin D supplements to reduce your
risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Levels of vitamin D and cardiometabolic disorders:
Maturitas. Parker J, Hashmi O, Dutton D, Mavrodaris A,
Stranges S, Kandala NB, Clarke A, Franco OH.
Levels of vitamin D and cardiometabolic disorders:
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Maturitas. 2010 Feb; 65:225-236
Updated 1/22/2023
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