Vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease: potential mechanisms and novel perspectives

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2013;59(6):479-88. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.59.479.

Abstract

Interest in contemporary vitamin D research has been sparked in recent years, stemming from the identification of vitamin D receptors in virtually all cells as well as the enzymatic machinery necessary to produce its active form. Both epidemiological and in-vitro studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to enigmatic diseases including cardiovascular disease; however, a clear mechanistic link remains missing. This review highlights conclusions of observational studies, in-vitro experiments and randomized-controlled trials that aimed to link deficiency of the sunshine vitamin to one of the leading causes of death in the world, cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, putative mechanisms viewed from a novel perspective are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / complications*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / physiopathology*
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D