Advertisement
Too much vitamin D can create heart health hazards
Sellers of vitamin D claim the nutrient can lower your blood pressure. But don’t believe the hype.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
According to cardiologist Steven Nissen, MD, despite claims from the nutrition industry and non-medical personnel about vitamin D’s ability to lower blood pressure, no quality scientific study can confirm these benefits.
“There are many other claims about the benefits of vitamin D for heart health, but they aren’t substantiated by high quality scientific studies,” Dr. Nissen says.
In fact, a study involving 25,871 participants published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2019 concluded that vitamin D did not result in a lower incidence of cardiovascular events when compared to participants given a placebo.
According to Dr. Nissen, vitamin D does play an integral part in the regulation of blood pressure, but it’s a complicated process. And taking too much vitamin D can lead to excess calcium or hypercalcemia.
“Vitamin D enables the uptake of calcium,” he says. “In theory, too-high levels potentially can result in calcium deposits ending up on blood vessel walls, in heart valves and even in the liver and kidneys. So our advice is not to start vitamin D as a means to lower blood pressure.”
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin. Your body synthesizes vitamin D from exposure to natural sunlight. Most foods don’t contain significant amounts of the nutrient. So there may be a rationale to take some vitamin D, especially during times of year with less sunlight.
“This may be true, but be aware there’s no clear consensus on exactly how much vitamin D we ultimately need, and more importantly what levels could cause harm,” Dr. Nissen says. “That spells problems for anyone taking large amounts of vitamin D in the hope of boosting their health. That’s like treating yourself with a blindfold on.”
Vitamin D does help women at risk for osteoporosis. For men, though, there’s no clear evidence of benefit.
“The bottom line is, don’t take vitamin D supplements unless your doctor advises you to do so,” Dr. Nissen says.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
The essential nutrient can benefit your immune system, eyes and skin while lowering disease risk
Factors like temperature, energy levels and sleep quality play a role in determining whether working out in the morning or evening is best for you
Obesity, age and preexisting heart conditions can all raise your risk of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy
Xylitol in processed food can increase risk of heart attack and stroke — but there’s no danger in xylitol in oral care products
If your provider has ruled out a serious cause, you can treat chest pain at home with antacids, inhalers or anti-inflammatory medications
Walking is a great goal, but how many steps are best for you depends on factors like your fitness level and age
If you’re taking supplements, it’s important to understand which vitamins and minerals you can get too much of, like vitamin C and calcium
Research shows a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis and heart issues
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims