Another reason to maintain Vitamin D levels in optimum range.

In a study on 375 patients undergoing coronary angiography for heart disease, “vitamin D was the most significant predictor for coronary artery disease” according to the authors of the study.  In another study published in the same journal, low vitamin D levels reduced activity of the gene that works to make vitamin D bioactive, essentially creating a ‘double-whammy’ – low vitamin D stores and less incentive for the body to convert what vitamin D it has to its bioactive form.  In addition, low vitamin D levels increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, etc), thus exacerbating the coronary artery disease further.

Optimum levels are 50 – 100 IU/ml, in the higher range -70+ – in case of existing illness, and a lower level -50- being acceptable in ‘healthy’ individuals.

Vitamin D can be obtained with 20-30 min of sun exposure daily with arms and legs uncovered, 3-4 times a week, in summer, with direct rays. In case of dark skinned individuals, or northern latitudes where the sun’s rays are not so strong, longer exposure is needed.

In general, supplementation is recommended, 2000-5000IU/day. This is a safe dose.

Simple steps to Stay Healthy.