Introduction:
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in both men and women worldwide. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin found to have an important function in maintaining bone health and immune function. Recent studies have shown the important role of vitamins in preventing heart diseases and maintaining a healthy heart. Many clinical researchers have found a link between lower levels of vitamin B and cardiovascular diseases.
What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that includes vitamins D1, D2, and D3. It is produced by the body when exposed directly to sunlight. Also, vitamin D is derived from various foods and supplements. Vitamin D helps in several body functions and regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption. Other functions of vitamin D are in helping the immune system function and the development of bones and teeth. The vitamin also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and good for the heart.
The sources of vitamin D are
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Sunlight.
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Vitamin D-rich foods
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Fatty fish.
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Cereals.
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Fortified dairy products.
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Mushroom.
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Cheese
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Egg.
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Beef liver.
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Orange juice.
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Milk.
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Soy.
Vitamin D is synthesized as a prohormone in response to ultraviolet light and absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D is 600 IU/day for individuals up to 70 years of age and 800 IU/day for individuals older than 70.
What Is the Role of Vitamin D in Maintaining a Healthy Heart?
Vitamin D helps in the functioning of the immune system and the development of bones and teeth. Along with that, it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D is a precursor of hormones, and after exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, the skin starts the synthesis of vitamin D3, and it is unique from all other forms of the vitamin. Vitamin D can also be acquired from fortified products and nutritional supplements.
The liver converts vitamin D3 to 25 (OH)D, which is the best maker of vitamin D. The hydroxylation of vitamin D to its active physiologic form occurs in the kidney. Throughout the vascular system, the vitamin D receptors are expressed in the cells. Vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, and endothelial cells produce one alpha-hydroxylase that results in the conversion of 25 hydroxyvitamin D to calcitriol. Calcitriol is a natural ligand for the vitamin D receptor.
The functions of Calcitriol include regulation of the renin-angiotensin system, decreased coagulation, and anti-inflammatory property. The factors that can lead to vitamin D insufficiency are
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Low dietary intake.
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Lower sunlight exposure.
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Severe kidney or liver disease.
The reduced level of vitamin B also impacts various physiological processes, as a large number of cells and tissues of the body contain receptors for vitamin D, which helps in various body functions. The low level of vitamin D is related to high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.
The cardioprotective functions of vitamin D involve Anti-inflammatory effects, Improved glucose tolerance, and suppression of muscle fibers emergence. All these physiologic functions can reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Preventing Stroke:
Studies have shown a direct relationship between deficiency of vitamin B and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of stroke. Vitamin D improves the lining of blood vessels and allows the flow of blood, and reduces the harmful effects of inflammation. The improved blood flow minimizes the risk of stroke and atherosclerosis.
Diabetes:
Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack. Low levels of vitamin D also increase the risk for pre-diabetics and type 2 diabetes. It is also suggested that vitamin D is a strong predictor of whether the patient will get diabetes or not. People with the lowest level of vitamin D are at the highest risk.
Metabolic Syndrome:
Women with lower levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. It is commonly seen in women after menopause. The risk for diabetes and stroke is increased in women with metabolic syndrome.
Improved Blood Flow:
Improved blood flow helps to keep the heart healthy, and the risk for stroke and atherosclerosis is reduced. Vitamin D enhances the pumping action of the heart, supporting the heart. The anti-inflammatory properties help in the relaxation of blood vessels, strengthen them and lower the level of angiotensin II, which can otherwise cause inflammation and high blood pressure.
Lifestyle and spending less time outdoors can lead to a deficiency of Vitamin D. The level of vitamins should be maintained by consuming vitamin D-rich food, thus can help to reduce cardiovascular risk.
High Blood Pressure:
Low levels of vitamin D are related to increased blood pressure. This vitamin makes the lining of blood vessels flexible, whereas lower levels of vitamin D can make arteries stiffer and make it difficult for blood flow. A person with lower levels of vitamin D increases the risk of diabetes and blood pressure and may lead to heart disease.
How to Get Enough Vitamin D?
Understanding the level of vitamin D and maintaining the level is essential. Including more vitamin D dietary supplements and fortified foods can increase the level of vitamin B. Also, vitamin B supplements can be taken with a doctor's prescription. The easy way to get more vitamin B is by diet changes. Also, care must be taken while taking vitamin D supplements, and avoid high doses of vitamins for a long time.
Conclusion:
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin and has an important role in keeping the heart healthy. Vitamin D helps in lowering blood pressure, improves vascular compliance, and good glycemic control decreases parathyroid hormone levels. Ongoing research and clinical trials will bring more knowledge about the role of vitamin D and heart diseases.
