Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but studies have failed to prove the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements in preventing heart attacks and strokes. As stated by the authors of the study presented at the scientific sessions American Heart Association (AHA)This discrepancy may be because commonly prescribed doses of vitamin D are too small to have any effect on the heart.
632 patients participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: The first group received the recommended prophylactic dose of vitamin D for everyone, and for patients in the second group, the dose was selected individually after a blood test and then adjusted every three months. The goal was to increase vitamin levels above 40 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml).
The dietary allowance for the vitamin in the United States is 600-800 international units (IU). In some cases, patients needed more than 10,000 IU. Less than 65% achieved levels above 40 ng/ml at three months. 86.5% of participants in the individualized group needed significantly higher doses of vitamin D to achieve goal.
“These results suggest that without a personalized approach to vitamin D assessment and dosage, patients will likely see no results,” the scientists said.
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