Being "D-ficient" bad for the heart, bones, and rest of the body, reports the Harvard Heart Letter

BOSTON -- New research suggests that having too little vitamin D, the
so-called sunshine vitamin, can contribute to heart disease, falls and
broken bones, breast cancer, prostate cancer, depression, and memory
loss, reports the December 2009 issue of the Harvard Heart Letter.
Vitamin D is best known for building and maintaining healthy bones by
helping the digestive system absorb calcium and phosphorus. But it
does much, much more.

Coronary artery disease. Calcium deposits that stiffen the arteries
are more likely to develop in people with low levels of vitamin D. In
one study, men low in vitamin D were twice as likely to develop heart
disease.

High blood pressure. Vitamin D decreases the kidneys' production of
renin, a hormone that boosts blood pressure. Several studies suggest
that low vitamin D contributes to high blood pressure, and that
getting more of the vitamin can help control blood pressure.

Statin-related muscle pain. Some people who take a
cholesterol-lowering statin stop because of muscle pain. In a study of
128 men and women with statin-related muscle pain, two-thirds of them
had low vitamin D levels. Among those who took a vitamin D supplement,
muscle pain disappeared in 90%.

Infection. Preliminary trials suggest that too little vitamin D can
leave the body prone to infection, and having enough in circulation
can help the body fight off the flu, tuberculosis, and infections of
the upper respiratory tract.

The Harvard Heart Letter notes that supplements are the simplest,
safest way to get vitamin D. Getting 800 to 1,000 IU daily from
supplements is a good goal. Ask your doctor to test your vitamin D
level, and take a supplement if it is low.

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