A lack of vitamin D, which is absorbed primarily through exposure to sunlight, helps boost the risk of heart attacks and strokes, a new research found.
Experts estimate that up to half of adults and 30 percent of children and teenagers in the United States are vitamin D-deficient, according to the report.
Recent data from the long-running Framingham Heart Study indicated that someone with vitamin D levels below 15 nanograms per milliliter of blood is twice as likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular problem within two years as someone with the recommended 20 nanograms per milliliter, the report said.
Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because human skin makes the nutrient upon exposure to sunlight. Only 10 minutes of exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day will be enough for whites to reach the recommended level, experts say. People with darker skins will need somewhat longer exposure. Sunscreen can also block vitamin D production, the experts add.
People must balance the risks and benefits of sun exposure. A bit of sunshine is a good but the use of sunscreen to guard against skin cancer is important if skin is to be exposed 15 to 30 minutes of intense sunlight.
Source: U.S. News and World Report, 1 December 2008
Subscribe to my RSS feed for regular updates.
Chapter: Heart Disease ::
9 February 2009
