A groundbreaking new study has revealed that a vitamin supplement, available for as little as 12p in most high street stores, could significantly improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of various illnesses.
The extensive research, conducted by scientists from institutions across China and the United States, has shed light on the remarkable benefits of Vitamin D supplements, which are far greater than previously thought.
The study specifically highlighted the supplement’s positive impact on cardiometabolic risk factors, a leading cause of death worldwide, suggesting it could revolutionise treatment methods.
Among the benefits were improved blood pressure control and cholesterol levels. The supplement also positively influenced several factors related to diabetes risk and symptoms, including fasting blood glucose, haemoglobin A1C, and fasting blood insulin.
The study found that certain demographics experienced more pronounced effects, particularly individuals over 50 and non-Western populations with a BMI below 30kg. m-2, who saw significant benefits from taking vitamin D supplements.
Published in the journal Engineering, this research could influence strategies for treating, preventing, and targeting cardiovascular diseases specifically.
An extensive review of trials involving over 17,000 subjects has highlighted the surprising benefits of taking an average of 3,320 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D each day for cardiometabolic risks, despite this being several times the NHS’s recommendation of just 400 UI daily.
Even as researchers acknowledge this as a “remarkably high dose,” with the NHS warning that amounts above 4,000UI could be “harmful” from age 11. Guidelines stating children and infants should have even less.
The potential for “significant advancements” in treatment and prevention strategies for cardiometabolic disorders, which remain a leading cause of death worldwide can’t be ignored.
The authors urge further investigation into the effects and implications of chronic cardiovascular conditions.
Yet, there are calls for more clarity on the long-term consequences and hazards associated with high levels of Vitamin D intake.
According to the NHS, excessive consumption over time might result in calcium build-up, potentially damaging bones and affecting kidney or heart function.