Vitamin D

Published: 2010-03-10

The optimum level of vitamin D intake has been debated for years, and the US Institute of Medicine is revisiting vitamin D and calcium recommendations with a report expected in 2010 [1].

According to the results of a meta-analysis published in Maturitas, high levels of vitamin D (serum 25OHD) among adult populations are associated with a substantial decrease in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome [2]. From 6,130 references 28 studies met inclusion criteria, including 99,745 participants.

The authors conclude “If the relationship proves to be causal, interventions targeting vitamin D deficiency in adult populations could potentially slow the current epidemics of cardiometabolic disorders.” They call for further studies.

1. http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp

2. Maturitas. 2010;65(3):225-36 doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.12.013