Whilst it is a widely known fact that vitamin D- deficiency causes weak bones. However, most people would not be so sure the role of vitamin D when it comes to heart health.
Question: Would vitamin D deficiency be linked to heart disease and an increased risk of hypertension?
Recent research casts doubt on whether taking a vitamin D supplement reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke.
It should be stressed that vitamin D is an important nutrient for overall good health.
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day for adults ages 19 to 70. For adults age 71 and older, the recommendation increases to 800 IU a day.
Some doctors question whether these levels are adequate and think that getting more vitamin D would benefit many people. But the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that adults avoid taking more than 4,000 IU a day.
If you’re concerned that you’re getting too little — or too much — vitamin D, contact your doctor. He or she may recommend a blood test to check the level of vitamin D in your blood.
Screening for vitamin D deficiency is important for people with darker skin. Why? Darker skin has higher levels of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. The more melanin you have, the harder it is for your skin to make vitamin D from the sun.
Others who may benefit from screening for vitamin D deficiency include those who don’t spend a lot of time in the sun; older adults; those with certain health conditions that make it difficult to absorb vitamin D.
(Article attributed: Mayo Clinic)
