Vitamin D Supplements Lower Risk Of Heart Disease, Increase Exercise Performance

Vitamin D supplements may improve exercise performance and lower the risk of heart disease, according to a recent study.

Sources of vitamin D--both a hormone and a vitamin--can be found in oily fish and eggs, but can sometimes be difficult to get through just diet. For many, vitamin D comes through sun exposure via ultraviolet B rays. This essential vitamin helps control levels of both calcium and phosphate that are essential for the formation of bones and teeth.

In this recent study, researchers from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh gave 13 healthy adults matched by age and weight 50μg of vitamin D per day or a placebo over a period of two weeks.

Researchers found that adults who received vitamin D had lower blood pressure when compared to those given a placebo, including those with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their urine. A fitness test also showed that the group taking vitamin D were able to cycle 6.5km in 20 minutes compared to just 5km at the start of the study. Furthermore, they also showed lower signs of physical exertion despite cycling 30 percent further in the same amount of time. 

On average, one in ten adults has low levels of vitamin D in summer, according to researchers, when compared to two in five in winter. Three out of four adults with dark skin are also deficient during the winter months as people with darker skin are less efficient at using sunlight to make vitamin D. 

"Vitamin D deficiency is a silent syndrome linked to insulin resistance, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and a higher risk for certain cancers," said lead author of the study Dr Emad Al-Dujaili, in a news release. "Our study adds to the body of evidence showing the importance of tackling this widespread problem."

Next, the researchers hope to perform a larger clinical trial over a longer period of time in bone-healthy individuals with large groups of athletes that include cyclists or long-distance runners.

Related Articles

Vitamin D and Chronic Kidney Disease: Study Finds Supplement Can Help

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).