Cairo: Mai Kamal El-Din
Recent research conducted by scientists at the Zhongyuan Food Laboratory in China, in collaboration with colleagues in the United States, has shown that taking vitamin D supplements significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The results of this study were published in the journal Engineering, highlighting the importance of this research in public health.
In this study, the researchers analyzed the results of 99 previous studies addressing the impact of vitamin D on cardiometabolic health, involving more than 17,000 participants. The findings revealed that daily intake of about 3,320 international units of vitamin D contributed to a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, fasting glucose, and insulin. The most pronounced effects were observed among non-European populations, as well as individuals with initially low levels of vitamin D, a normal body mass index, and those over the age of 50.
The scientists also noted that sustainable results were linked to longer intervention periods, showing that supplementation for three months or more, along with increased dosages, positively influenced cardiometabolic health indicators in specific populations. This underscores the importance of adhering to longer treatment durations to achieve the desired outcomes.
However, the researchers are still unable to clarify the exact mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplements. They expressed their intention to conduct further studies to better understand these mechanisms, which may contribute to developing new strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.
These findings not only enhance the scientific understanding of the benefits of vitamin D but also indicate the need for effective measures to ensure individuals receive adequate amounts of this essential vitamin. In light of these discoveries, healthcare professionals should use this information as a basis for guiding patients toward appropriate health choices, including recommending vitamin D supplements when necessary.
Ultimately, this research marks an important step toward enhancing public health and preventing diseases, contributing to improved quality of life and reducing the burdens associated with chronic illnesses.
