Report says winter weather may cause vitamin D deficiency

MAYWOOD, Ill. According to a review article in Circulation, many people may experience a decrease in vitamin D levels over the winter months, when they are less exposed to sunligh, which can play a role in heart disease.

“Chronic vitamin D deficiency may be a culprit in heart disease, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome,” said Sue Penckoferstudy author and professor, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, in a press release issued Monday.

The review article cited a number of studies that linked vitamin D deficiency to heart disease. These studies found rates of severe disease or death may be 30 to 50 percent higher among sun-deprived individuals with heart disease.

Penckofer and colleagues concluded that diet alone is not sufficient to manage vitamin D levels. Treatment options to correct this level, such as vitamin D2 or D3, may decrease the risk of severe disease or death from cardiovascular disorders. “Most physicians do not routinely test for vitamin D deficiency,” Penckofer said. “However, most experts would agree that adults at risk for heart disease and others who experience fatigue joint pain or depression should have their vitamin D levels measured.”