Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamin D plays a crucial role in numerous physiological and pathological processes, influencing gene expression via widespread vitamin D receptors (VDRs).
• Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern, affecting approximately 1 billion people worldwide.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality globally, and a potential link with vitamin D status has been investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence regarding the association between vitamin D status and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• To explore the potential role of vitamin D in cardiovascular health and risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiologic evidence and observational studies investigating the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and CVD.
• Analysis of data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes.
• Synthesis of existing literature to evaluate the certainty of the association between vitamin D status and CVD.

Main Results:

• Epidemiologic and observational studies consistently suggest an association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of CVD.
• Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded conflicting data, with many failing to demonstrate a significant relationship between vitamin D status and CVD.
• Limitations in existing RCTs may obscure a potential beneficial effect of vitamin D on cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

• The precise relationship between vitamin D status and cardiovascular disease remains uncertain due to conflicting study results.
• Low vitamin D levels may represent an independent and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Further research is warranted to clarify the role of vitamin D in cardiovascular health and to address limitations in current trial data.