April 19, 2011 – Insufficient vitamin D in the blood could lead to hardening of the arteries and, consequently, an increase in blood pressure, according to a US study1.
For 6 months, researchers subjected 554 subjects to tests aimed at determining their blood level of vitamin D and the state of their vascular functions. The results indicate that vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency tends to reduce the ability of the arteries to dilate adequately.
They then subjected all subjects to tests aimed at precisely measuring the functioning of the endothelium, the tissue that lines the inside of the arteries and ensures the elasticity of the blood vessels.
Comparing the results, the study authors found that low vitamin D intake was consistently associated with symptoms of vascular dysfunction. More precisely, the arteries lost their ability to dilate properly when the level of vitamin D (25 (OH) D) fell below the value of 30 nanograms / milliliter in the blood, or the equivalent of 75 nanomoles / liter.
The researchers also report that in 42 subjects whose vitamin D intake had recovered to acceptable levels after 6 months, vascular function had improved and blood pressure had decreased. An adequate intake of vitamin D would therefore help restore endothelial functions and thus counter high blood pressure, believe the researchers.
They now wish to continue their research by conducting a clinical trial aimed at confirming the therapeutic potential of vitamin D for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. Al Mheid I, Quyyumi A, et al. Lack of Vitamin D Can Lead to Impaired Vascular Health. Presentation at the American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, April 2-5, 2011.
