Vitamin D is a natural source for one of the hormones essential to human bodies, especially the bones. But according to a new research from the University of South Australia (UniSA), when this essential nutrient becomes lower than the required amount, it does not only affect the bones but cardio health as well.
In the first study of its kind which is published in the European Heart Journal, researchers from the Australian Centre for Precision Health at SAHMRI have identified genetic evidence for a role of vitamin D deficiency in causing cardiovascular disease.
According to the findings, those who are vitamin D deficient are more likely to develop heart disease and high blood pressure than those who have normal vitamin D levels. For participants with the lowest concentrations, the risk of heart disease was more than double that seen for those with sufficient concentrations.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, claiming the lives of an estimated 17.9 million people each year. CVD kills one in every four Australians and costs the country’s economy $5 billion each year, more than any other disease.
Elina Hyppönen Chief Investigator UniSA
“Severe deficiency is relatively rare, but in settings where this does occur it is very important to be proactive and avoid negative effects on the heart. For example, deficiency can be a problem for people living in residential care who may have limited exposure to the sun. We can also get vitamin D from food, including oily fish, eggs and fortified foods and drinks. This said, food is, unfortunately, a relatively poor source of vitamin D, and even an otherwise healthy diet does not typically contain enough.”
Low concentrations of vitamin D are common in many parts of the world, with data from the UK Biobank showing that 55 percent of participants have low levels of vitamin D ( below 50 nanomol/L) and 13 percent have a severe deficiency ( below 25 nanomol/L).
The study used data from up to 2,67,980 individuals which allowed the team to provide robust statistical evidence for the link between vitamin D deficiency and CVD.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, claiming the lives of an estimated 17.9 million people each year. CVD kills one in every four Australians and costs the country’s economy $5 billion each year, more than any other disease. 
