Vitamin D is important for many processes in the body. Immune health and bone health are just a couple. How does vitamin D fit in to menopause and heart health? New research suggests that vitamin D may lower inflammatory markers and offer cardioprotective benefits.
In the study, researchers looked at Vitamin D levels, as 25-hydroxy vitamin D (the level I check on ALL my patients!), c-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation), and coronary artery sclerosis (the thickening of the arteries in the heart due to plaque). Their results showed that the higher the concentrations of vitamin D in the blood, the lower the inflammation. When inflammation is lower, the risk for coronary artery atherosclerosis is also decreased.
What does this mean for you? In menopause it is important to be aware of vitamin status. Given that I have found almost NOBODY with normal vitamin D levels who was not on oral supplementation, it is wise to check! Also, this study offers insight into the heart health benefits of vitamin D, especially for those women that are peri- menopausal or post menopausal. Heart disease affects an estimated 42 million American Women and is the #1 cause of death for women—vitamin D seems like an easy way to decrease risk!
Schnatz PF, Vila-Wright S, Jiang X, Register TC, Kaplan JR, Clarkson TB, Appt SE. The association between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations, C-reactive protein levels, and coronary artery atherosclerosis in postmenopausal monkeys.
Menopause. 2012 Oct;19(10):1074-80.