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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Not getting enough vitamin D may increase your risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) -- a condition where the arteries in the legs are narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to the legs.
Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City analyzed data from a national survey that measured vitamin D levels and screened for PAD in nearly 5,000 adults.
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Results show higher levels of vitamin D were linked to a lower prevalence of PAD. In participants with the highest levels of the vitamin, only 3.7 percent had PAD. And in those with the lowest levels, 8.1 percent had the condition. Those in the lowest vitamin D group had a 64 percent higher prevalence of PAD compared to those with the highest levels.
Researchers say this does not necessarily mean vitamin D has a protective effect, although that is one theory. It is also possible higher vitamin D levels may be a result of healthy practices such as eating a healthier diet or being more physically active, which could be related to sun exposure.
More studies are needed to find the exact answers. Until then, the authors do not recommend people take vitamin D supplements without talking to their doctors. Instead they suggest eating a balanced diet.
The American Heart Association also recommends getting enough nutrients from a variety of foods in moderation rather than from supplements.
Foods high in vitamin D include fortified milk, salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, and some fortified cereals.
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SOURCE: Presented at the American Heart Associations Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Annual Conference in Atlanta, Ga., April 16-18, 2008
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
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