CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Vitamin D is generally considered essential for strong bones, but a recent study has also drawn attention to its possible effects on heart health. A study by researchers at the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), Hyderabad, has found a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased oxidative stress in heart cells. The research has been published in the international journal Steroids.
In the study, mice were given different amounts of vitamin D. Mice that were deficient in vitamin D showed more signs of oxidative damage in the heart and stress on cells. Researchers also found that, in a deficiency state, the activity of the Nrf2 protective mechanism, which helps protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress, was affected. Changes were also observed in some other cellular processes.
How much vitamin D should the body have? To assess vitamin D status, the level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] in the blood is usually tested. According to a report by Aaj Tak, a level below 20 ng/mL is considered vitamin D deficiency.
However, experts say this study cannot be directly applied to humans. The research is still limited to animal and cell models and does not prove that vitamin D deficiency directly causes heart attacks or heart disease. Therefore, taking high doses of vitamin D without testing and medical advice is not appropriate.
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