Vitamin D has recently become the focus of research in many areas of medicine. Its action is not only related to the musculoskeletal system, but also to the immune system. The involvement of vitamin D in infectious diseases, carcenogenesis and cardiovascular diseases has been suggested.
What is the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease?
VitaminD belongs to the fat-soluble vitamins and is a cholesterol derivative.
It is found in two forms:
- Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol- found in plant organisms),
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol- produced in animal organisms).
The role of vitamin D in the body is to ensure normal calcium-phosphorus metabolism, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium ions in the intestine. In addition, it stimulates the release of phosphorus and calcium from the bones in hypocalcaemia (calcium deficiency), with the involvement of parathormone (PTH), increases renal reabsorption of calcium and ensures body homeostasis.
Vitamin D comes from two sources
- Dermal synthesis (80%-90% of vitamin D).
- Food (fish, fish oil, dairy products, margarines fortified with vitamin D, 10-20% of the daily requirement).
Scientific studies have confirmed that myocardial cells have receptors (VDR) for vitamin D and calcitriol-dependent calcium-binding proteins. The active form of vitamin D3-calcitriol influences the activity of calcium channels in cardiac muscle cells, thus ensuring normal cardiac contractility. Many studies suggest a close link between the occurrence of cardiac diseases and vitamin D deficiency. The pathophysiological mechanism stems from the fact that vitamin D inhibits coagulation processes, reduces the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS), reduces the formation of atherosclerotic lesions, and additionally stimulates insulin secretion. Therefore, vitamin D3 deficiency can lead to chronic vasculitis, the development of hypertension, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, ischaemic heart disease and myocardial infarction, as well as metabolic syndrome, diabetes or hyperparathyroidism.
The geographical location of Poland (ultraviolet radiation ensuring adequate synthesis of vitamin D between April and September), the use of sunscreens and the limited amount of products with vitamin D means that we are at risk of a deficiency of this compound in the body. This puts us at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In order to partially ensure the supply of vitamin D, it is necessary to eat products that are its source, expose the body to the sun, and consider supplementation with preparations only when recommended by a doctor and under his strict supervision.
