The study, conducted at the University Medical Center, Groningen, in the Netherlands, also suggested that low levels of vitamin D are associated with activation of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS – a pivotal regulatory system in heart failure) and an altered cytokine profile.
Vitamin D concentration was assessed in plasma samples from 548 heart failure patients. According to the researchers, patients with lower concentrations had a higher risk of death or required re-hospitalization, whereas patients with higher concentrations had lower survival risks for these endpoints.
Researcher Licette Liu said on NutraIngredients.com:
“This study provides compelling evidence that a high vitamin D status is associated with improved survival in heart failure patients.
Until an intervention study has been designed and completed, it seems that we should advise patients with heart failure to maintain appropriate vitamin D levels by taking supplements, by eating oily fish or eggs, or simply by exposure to sunlight.”Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases. There is also some evidence that the vitamin may reduce the incidence of several types of cancer and type-1 diabetes.
Sources:
European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2010 August 28-September 1, 2010, Stockholm, Sweden
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