Vitamin D deficiency data shows increased cardiovascular events

A lack of vitamin D is associated with major cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and stiffening of the left ventricle of the heart and blood vessels. Inflammation is really important for heart disease, and people with vitamin D deficiency have increased inflammation according to a review of such studies to be published in the December issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Experts estimate that up to half of adults and 30 percent of children and teenagers in the United States are vitamin D-deficient.

Vitamin D is well known as the "sunshine vitamin" because human skin makes the nutrient upon exposure to sunlight. Only 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day will be enough for whites to reach the recommended level, experts say. People with darker skins will need somewhat longer exposure. Sunscreen can also block vitamin D production. People must balance the risks and benefits of sun exposure, however.

Milk is supplemented with vitamin D but you would have to drink 10 to 20 glasses of milk a day to get the recommended intake. "Food is not really an option," the researchers suggest. "You don't get enough vitamin D in the foods we ordinarily eat. Supplementation is our preferred choice, although we get sunlight whenever the sun shines here in Ann Arbor."

Steve - here, here!