Vitamin D is important for our overall health, especially for mental health and building strong bones. Research shows that low vitamin D levels may also cause an increased risk of heart problems, disease and death.
However, the research is still mixed on how important vitamin D is for heart health.
“Many studies show that not having enough vitamin D can increase your risk of heart attacks, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and strokes. Low vitamin D levels also can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes,” said Kelly Olson, cardiology nurse practitioner at Marshfield Clinic Health System.
On the other hand, research has not shown that taking a vitamin D supplement reduces your chance of heart problems such as heart attack or stroke.
“Basically, the research shows having low vitamin D levels is bad for your heart. If you have good vitamin D levels however, taking a vitamin D supplement has not been shown to improve heart health,” Olson said.
How do I know if I have low vitamin D levels?
Common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:
- Bone or joint pain, especially in the back, hips and ribs
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Fatigue, tired or lack of energy
- Depression, anxiety or irritability
- Loss of appetite, nausea or constipation
“Your body produces vitamin D on its own, particularly when you’re out in the sun,” Olson said. “Because people are spending less time outdoors, and using more sunscreen when they are outdoors, there is a general deficiency among the entire American population.”
Those most at risk for low levels of vitamin D include:
- People with dark skin
- The elderly
- Those who are overweight or obese
- Those who don’t have much vitamin D in their diets
The recommended dietary allowances of vitamin D are:
- 10 micrograms (MCG), or 400 international units (IU), for children aged 0-1 year of age
- 15 MCG, or 600 IU, for people aged 1-70 years of age (this includes pregnant or lactating women)
- 20 MCG, or 800 IU, for people older than 70 years of age
A balanced approach to heart health
Olson stresses a comprehensive approach to caring for your heart.
“Certainly we are learning more about the impact of vitamin D on the heart,” Olson said. “But what we know for sure is that a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, these are keys to a healthy heart. I stress with my patients that it’s not one thing that keeps your heart healthy. It’s a combination.”
For questions about vitamin D, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.
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6 responses to “Can low vitamin D levels cause heart problems?”
My wife & I take 3000 units of Vitamin D per day for the past 20 years. Is that enough Vitamin D or should we take a larger amount? My wife also takes about 1000 mg of calcium per day.
Hi Frank, The recommended dietary allowances of vitamin D are 15 MCG, or 600 IU, for people aged 1-70 years of age (this includes pregnant or lactating women) OR 20 MCG, or 800 IU, for people older than 70 years of age. The recommended daily dietary allowances of calcium are 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium for adults. Your doctor is best prepared to answer questions about what you specifically should take for your personal health. -Thank you, Jordan
Thanks for you article on Vitamin D. I never guessed it was so helpful for the entire body.
Kelly: I take 1000 IU of D3 with breakfast and supper daily for several years. I was diagnosed with CHF in 2006, had a skin cancer removed from top of nose in 2018, and told to take vitamin D 2020 after bone density results. Sun does not appear to be my friend! I also fall in your elderly and overweight risk factors. I get lots of info re: nutrition, exercise, wt. management, etc..
Your story would have been a great time to also put in a plug for plant based diets. Also helps with heart disease risk factors…
BIG TIME !
I get it but if you are already eating a Mediterranean diet you ARE getting a lot of plants already and some people do like a deck of cards size portion of meat a couple of times a week. You aren’t going to convince everyone all the time. Plus, fish aren’t plants and it is good for many things in your body, not just plants alone, you need balance.