Adding This Vitamin to Your Routine May Reduce Your Risk for Heart Attack, Study Finds
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Vitamin D supplements may reduce your heart attack risk, new research shows.
A new study found that the rate of major cardiovascular events was 9% lower in those who took vitamin D supplements compared to those who didn’t.
Experts explain why vitamin D is essential to your heart health and if supplementation is right for you.
You may know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And while it’s an essential nutrient for many bodily functions, new research shows that taking vitamin D supplements could reduce the risk of heart attack in older adults.
A study published in The BMJ looked at whether supplementing older adults with monthly doses of vitamin D altered the incidence of major cardiovascular events, like heart attack and stroke. The “D-Health Trial” took place from 2014 to 2020 and involved 21,315 participants aged 60 to 84.
Approximately half of the participants received one capsule of 60,000 IU of vitamin D and the other half received a placebo. Both groups were instructed to take these supplements orally at the beginning of each month for up to five years.
During the trial, 1,336 participants experienced a major cardiovascular event (6% in the vitamin D group and 6.6% in the placebo group). Researchers determined that the rate of major cardiovascular events was 9% lower in the vitamin D group compared to the placebo group. The rate of heart attack was 19% lower and the rate of coronary revascularization (a procedure or surgery to improve blood flow to the heart) was 11% lower in the vitamin D group, but there was no difference in the rate of stroke between the two groups.
Researchers concluded that vitamin D supplementation might reduce the incidence of major cardiovascular events, like heart attack or stroke, but this difference was small and not very significant. However, these findings could lead to further evaluation of the role of vitamin D supplementation, particularly in people taking drugs for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease.
How does vitamin D affect heart health?
Vitamin D plays a key role in heart health, such as in the regulation of blood pressure and calcium metabolism, as well as the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and arterial stiffness, says Jackie Newgent, R.D.N., C.D.N., plant-forward culinary nutritionist and author of The Plant-Based Diabetes Cookbook. “Several studies have suggested a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of heart attacks. And some, but not all, indicate a potentially slight protective effect of vitamin D supplementation against heart attacks.”
Studies have suggested that people with higher vitamin D levels have a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases, adds Ernst von Schwarz, M.D., cardiologist and author of The Secrets of Immortality. But while there has been much enthusiasm for vitamin supplementation to both prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, there is little high-quality evidence to suggest that any of the vitamins studied to date have a significant impact, says Nick West, M.D., chief medical officer and divisional vice president of global medical affairs at Abbott’s vascular business.
How can you get enough vitamin D?
One of the best ways to ensure your body has enough vitamin D is through adequate sun exposure by your own skin, which synthesizes a form of the vitamin, says Newgent.
As far as foods with vitamin D, fatty fish and seafood are good sources, particularly salmon, tuna, mackerel, oysters, and shrimp, says Dr. West. “These foods also contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, known to be heart-healthy.” Similarly, cow’s milk (fortified or not), yogurt and other dairy products, and tofu are all good sources of vitamin D, he adds.
Rather than take a dedicated vitamin D supplement, for those who want to make sure that they’re hitting their nutritional needs, a multivitamin supplement is likely enough, says Dr. West. “Vitamin D supplements, especially at high levels, should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor,” Dr. West notes.
There are also potential hazards in over-supplementation with vitamin D, including the formation of kidney stones and possible vascular calcification (plaque buildup in the blood vessels around your heart), as well as more acute effects like nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness, notes Dr. West, so always be sure to speak with your doctor before incorporating a supplement into your diet.
The bottom line
Vitamin D is necessary for many bodily processes, including building and maintaining strong and healthy bone structure, says Dr. West. “This data adds to the body of evidence around a variety of vitamins (principally vitamins C, D, and E) studied in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease…and no study has conclusively shown a benefit from additional supplementation.”
Although multivitamins are a good way to ensure an adequate daily intake of required vitamins and nutrients, simple measures such as maintaining a healthy diet and (in the case of vitamin D) getting some sunlight exposure should be sufficient for most people, says Dr. West. Just be sure you don’t get too much sun and apply sunscreen when needed.
For most people, focusing on lifestyle changes is the most effective way to maintain good cardiovascular health, Newgent adds. “In other words, get regular physical activity, enjoy a nutrient-rich plant-filled eating plan, and don’t smoke.”
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.
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