Existing Vitamin D levels not sufficient for heart protection: Researchers.
Preliminary results from an ongoing clinical trial, TARGET-D, suggest that current vitamin D dosing recommendations may be insufficient in protecting against heart attack and stroke (Source: Healthline).
The findings, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, indicate that the effectiveness of vitamin D in preventing cardiac events could be enhanced with higher dosages.
Prior studies on vitamin D supplementation and heart disease prevention have yielded inconclusive results. Two recent studies conducted as part of TARGET-D, a randomized clinical trial at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, UT, aimed to address this gap in knowledge.
The lead author, Heidi May, PhD, an epidemiologist at Intermountain Health, emphasized that previous trials may not have administered high enough doses of vitamin D, leading to inaccurate outcomes.
The studies explored whether achieving optimal vitamin D levels through personalized supplementation management could reduce the risk of a cardiac event.
The key takeaway was that the current dosage recommendations, typically falling within the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 600–800 International Units (IU) of vitamin D, might need revision. Patients required higher doses to reach ideal vitamin D levels.
May emphasized that merely providing patients with vitamin D did not help them attain optimal levels. To improve heart health outcomes, researchers may need to explore higher doses than conventionally thought necessary.
The studies revealed a stepwise association between lower vitamin levels and an increased risk of cardiac events.
The current recommendation for vitamin levels, set at 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) for bone and overall health, may be insufficient in reducing cardiovascular outcomes.
As low vitamin affects nearly 42% of the adult population in the United States and is considered a potential risk factor for heart disease, these findings could have significant implications for future cardiovascular health guidelines.
The ongoing research underscores the need for a nuanced approach to vitamin supplementation, tailoring dosages to individual needs to optimize heart health outcomes.
Further exploration of this relationship is crucial for refining recommendations and advancing our understanding of the role of vitamin in cardiovascular health.
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