Vitamin D for Your Heart

Need (another) reason to keep your vitamin D intake up? New research suggests that those with low levels of this essential nutrient may have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers in Utah followed 27,000 men and women over the age of 50 who had no previous history of heart disease. After a year, they found those with the lowest levels of vitamin D were:

1. 77 percent more likely to die than those with adequate levels of vitamin D.
2. 45 percent more likely to develop coronary artery disease than those with adequate levels of vitamin D.
3. 78 percent more likely to have a stroke than those with adequate levels of vitamin D.
4. Twice as likely to develop heart failure than those with normal levels of vitamin D.

The study, from the Intermountain Medical Center, was presented at the Nov. 16, 2009, session of the American Heart Association's Scientific Conference. Dr. Weil recommends prudent daily sun exposure to support the natural production of Vitamin D in our skin, as well as speaking to your doctor about checking vitamin D levels and supplementing if necessary.

Sunlight exposure causes our bodies to make vitamin D, so soak it up--whether you're working in the garden or exercising outdoors.