Vitamin D for the Heart

When experiencing atrial fibrillation (AFib), your heart beats rapidly and irregularly. AFib is a serious condition; it can lead to blood clots, increasing the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke if untreated.

Age is one of the risk factors, affecting older adults more frequently.

Lifestyle changes, including physical activity, a heart-healthy diet and weight control, are natural ways to treat AFib. New research suggests vitamin D supplementation may also be a key treatment option. The five-year study involved nearly 2,500 older adults (ages 60-65 and older at baseline) who were randomly assigned to take 1,600 IU of vitamin D3 daily, 3,200 IU daily or a placebo (an inactive capsule containing no vitamin D). All study participants were also allowed to take any vitamin D supplement they were already taking (up to 800 IU daily, the recommended dose for this age group at the start of the study).

Over the five-year study period, risk of AFib was lowest in the group taking the 1,600 IU D3 supplement daily (32% lower compared to the placebo group), followed by the group taking the 800 IU supplement (27% lower compared to the placebo group). Findings appear in the American Heart Journal.

An increasing body of research links vitamin D3 with positive health outcomes – and not just for the heart. Your doctor can tell you more about the power of vitamin D and why you should make sure your daily intake is optimal.