Typically, what’s good for the heart is also good for the brain. This has been reconfirmed in two independent studies involving measurements of vitamin D3 levels (25-hydroxy vitamin D).
1.The first study was presented at the 63rd Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology, April 29-31, 2014.
1,484 subjects underwent coronary angiography to assess the blood flow through their coronary arteries, as they had symptoms of heart disease (angina or chest pain). An arterial diameter reduction by 50% or more was considered to be indicative of coronary artery disease. All of the subjects had their vitamin D blood levels measured as well. Deficiency of vitamin D3 was defined as 20 ng/ml or less and this was found in 70.4% of the subjects. Some of them even had values of less than 10 ng/ml. Narrowing of the coronary arteries was found to be 32% higher in those with vitamin D3 deficiency. Those with severe vitamin D deficiency (less than 10 ng/ml) had twice as much coronary artery disease than those with less than 20 ng/ml of vitamin D or less.
2. The second study comes from Health, Aging and Body Composition Study (Health ABC) at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center with the lead author Dr. Valerie Wilson. The study went on for 4 years and involved 2777 individuals who were doing well and aged between 70 and 79 at the time of enrollment. Cognitive function was assessed at the beginning of the study and at the end after 4 years. One year into the study they also took vitamin D blood levels. 68% of the subjects had vitamin D levels that were less than 30 ng/ml. The researchers noted that there was an association between better cognitive test scores in the beginning of the study and higher vitamin D levels. When the test scores were compared at the end of the study to the scores at the beginning, those with low initial levels of vitamin D showed a much greater decline of cognitive function. Dr. Wilson said that vitamin D3 supplementation could have a huge positive effect on maintaining cognitive function in the elderly, as the majority of this population is deficient for vitamin D3.
Vitamin D3 Benefits Both Heart And Brain
When both of these studies are taken together, it is clear that vitamin D3 supplementation gives you a two for one deal; it is good for your heart and good for your brain!
More information on:
Heart disease: https://nethealthbook.com/cardiovascular-disease/
Vitamin D3 saves lives: https://nethealthbook.com/news/vitamin-d3-saves-lives/
Cognitive decline: https://nethealthbook.com/neurology-neurological-disease/alzheimers-dementia-and-delirium/dementia/
References:
1. American College of Cardiology’s 63rd Annual Scientific Session
2. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2014 Apr; 62(4):636-41.
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