Scientists discovered that, in a cell study, vitamin D restored a healthy balance between 2 key compounds required to maintain endothelial function. The beneficial compound is nitric oxide that maintains youthful blood vessels elasticity. The toxic one is peroxynitrite that inflicts blood vessels damage.
This study showed that the addition of vitamin D to the cell culture resulted in an increase in protective nitric oxide and a decrease in destructive peroxynitrite.
Low blood levels of vitamin D are also associated with increased arterial stiffness- the loss of youthful suppleness that allows arteries to properly regulate blood flow and pressure. In addition to causing high blood pressure , stiff, inflexible arteries contribute to heart attack, stroke, cognitive decline, and more. More then 40% of Americans have insufficient blood levels of vitamin D ( defined as less than 30 mg/dl).
Supplementation with vitamin D helps reduce arterial stiffness and may improve endothelial function.
Life Extension recommendations:
There are no universal guidelines for frequency of vitamin D testing. However, given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the strong association of low vitamin D levels with several health issues, annual testing and supplementation to achieve adequate blood levels is highly recommended. If you do not already maintain an optimal blood level of vitamin D of 50-80 ng/ml, then take between 5,000 to 8,000 IU of vitamin D daily with a meal for better absorption.
0 Comments