There is a common misconception that vitamin D is only necessary for bone health; however, a recent study by the ICMR National Institute of Nutrition demonstrated that this vitamin is also critically important for maintaining heart health.
The new research established a connection between vitamin D deficiency and increased stress in heart cells. This scientific work was published in the international journal Steroids.
In this study, an experiment was conducted on mice, which were administered different doses of vitamin D. It was found that mice fed a vitamin D deficient diet exhibited increased stress in the heart, negatively affecting the organ's function. Furthermore, they had elevated levels of oxidative stress, which impacted the immune system and heart function.
The scientists also discovered that a lack of vitamin D affects the functioning of NRF2—an important protective system in the body's cells that helps combat oxidative stress. However, when stress levels rise, this system is affected by vitamin D deficiency.
According to Dr. Aisha Ismail, who led the research group, chronic oxidative stress caused by vitamin D deficiency directly impacts heart cells. Moreover, when the mice were given a vitamin D diet, the level of oxidative stress in their bodies decreased.
To determine vitamin D levels in the body, a 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] test is performed. Vitamin D deficiency is considered established if the level of this substance in the body is below 20 ng/ml. Deficiency can be corrected through proper nutrition and supplements.
Dr. Aisha Ismail emphasizes that this study was conducted exclusively on mice and no human trials were performed. Changes related to oxidative stress and damage to heart cells were observed in the mice during the work. Therefore, this study cannot prove that vitamin D deficiency is the direct cause of heart attack or disease in humans.