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Vitamin D may lower heart disease risk

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Vitamin D testing may benefit African American teens, as a new study has found that a deficiency of the nutrient in these individuals may lead to arterial stiffening, a serious condition that may to contribute to heart disease.

Researchers from the Medical College of Georgia assigned one group of black teenagers to receive a daily supplement of 400 international units (IU), while another group received supplements of 2,000 IUs daily.

Results from the study showed that individuals who received less vitamin D were more likely to have stiffened arteries.

African Americans are at a greater risk for vitamin D deficiency as well as heart disease. While sun exposure is the primary source for the production of the nutrient, many teens don't get enough.

"Our study shows that vitamin D supplementation may improve cardiovascular health in black teens who don't get enough vitamin D from their diet and sun exposure," said lead investigator Yanbin Dong. "It indicates that the current recommendations for vitamin D intake in black teenagers may need to be revised upward."