-People with higher levels of vitamin D appear to have hearts that function better than people with lower Vitamin D levels.  This is according to a new study published in the latest issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.

Additionally, recent research studies have shown that vitamin D may protect against cardiovascular disease.  In the current study, researchers showed that low levels of vitamin D are linked to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

Study authors examined data from more than 27,000 adults who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted from 1988 to 1994 and from 2001 to 2006.

The participants with Vitamin D blood levels of 10 ng/ml or less had a heart rate that was about two beats per minute faster, and blood pressure readings that was 1.9 points higher, than those with people with vitamin D in the normal range of at least 35 ng/mL.

Why does vitamin D help the heart?  Nobody knows. The primary function of vitamin D is to regulate calcium metabolism.  It is likely that vitamin D has additional and undiscovered functions that affect human metabolism.

This observational study suggests that people with higher vitamin D levels have hearts that work more efficiently.  This is intriguing information and additional research is needed to clarify how vitamin D affects the heart.  Additionally, we do not know the optimal dose of vitamin D nor the best source for obtaining vitamin D. 

Cristopher Geiler, MD

Am J Cardiol 2010.