Increased Vitamin D Levels May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

Previous studies have suggested a potential association between abnormal vitamin D levels and cardiometabolic disorders including heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Johanna Parker, from University of Warwick (United Kingdom), and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review of studies examining vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D [25OHD] as an indicator of vitamin D status) and cardiometabolic disorders.  The team reviewed 28 studies involving a total of 99,745 subjects across a variety of ethnic groups and including both men and women. The studies revealed a significant association between high levels of vitamin D and a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (33% compared to low levels of vitamin D), type 2 diabetes (55% reduction) and metabolic syndrome (51% reduction).  Writing 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 researchers posit that: “If the relationship proves to be causal, interventions targeting vitamin D deficiency in adult populations could potentially slow the current epidemics of cardiometabolic disorders.”