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Low vitamin D levels may increase stroke risk

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Individuals may benefit from blood testing to measure vitamin D levels, particularly if they are at risk for suffering a stroke. New research indicates that people who consume little vitamin D through their diet face an increased risk of suffering a stroke.

For the study, researchers from the University of Hawaii examined the medical records of a group of adults who initially participated in a diet survey during in the 1960s. Each participant had 34 years' worth of medical records. The researchers examined the records of Japanese American participants.

The results showed that individuals who had the lowest levels of vitamin D consumption through diet were 27 percent more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke, compared to those who ate the most vitamin D-rich foods.

"Our study confirms that eating foods rich in vitamin D might be beneficial for stroke prevention," said lead researher Gotaro Kojima.

It can be difficult for individuals to consume vitamin D through natural foods. It is only present in a few items, including oily fish and mushrooms. Therefore, some individuals may benefit form taking nutritional supplements.