Vitamin D Reduces Heart Disease and Diabetes in Seniors

Introduction

High levels of vitamin D in older people can reduce heart disease and diabetes

Main Digest

Middle aged and elderly people with high levels of vitamin D could reduce their chances of developing heart disease or diabetes by 43%, according to researchers at the University of Warwick.

A team of researchers at Warwick Medical School carried out a systematic literature review of studies examining vitamin D and cardiometabolic disorders. Cardiometabolic disorders include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods and is also produced when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are good sources of vitamin D, and it is also available as a dietary supplement.

Researchers looked at 28 studies including 99,745 participants across a variety of ethnic groups including men and women. The studies revealed a significant association between high levels of vitamin D and a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (33% compared to low levels of vitamin D), type 2 diabetes (55% reduction) and metabolic syndrome (51% reduction).

The literature review, published in the journal Maturitas , was led by Johanna Parker and Dr Oscar Franco, Assistant Professor in Public Health at Warwick Medical School.

Dr Franco said: "We found that high levels of vitamin D among middle age and elderly populations are associated with a substantial decrease in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome."

Targeting vitamin D deficiency in adult populations could potentially slow the current epidemics of cardiometabolic disorders.

All studies included were published between 1990 and 2009 with the majority published between 2004 and 2009. Half of the studies were conducted in the United States, eight were European, two studies were from Iran, three from Australasia and one from India.

The study, Levels of vitamin D and cardiometabolic disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis, is published in Maturitas. Parker J, Hashmi O, Dutton D, Mavrodaris A, Stranges S, Kandala NB, Clarke A, Franco OH. Levels of vitamin D and cardiometabolic disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas. 2010 Feb; 65:225-236

Related Publications▶ Share This Page

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Warwick Medical School. (2010, February 18 - Last revised: 2016, June 13). Vitamin D Reduces Heart Disease and Diabetes in Seniors. Disabled World. Retrieved September 9, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/medical/supplements/vitamins/vitamin-d-seniors.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/supplements/vitamins/vitamin-d-seniors.php">Vitamin D Reduces Heart Disease and Diabetes in Seniors</a>: High levels of vitamin D in older people can reduce heart disease and diabetes.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.