Vitamin D and PAD
Vitamin D is important not only for our immune function but for our vascular health as well. There are two types of Vitamin D that our bodies utilize, D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (calcitriol).
Vitamin D3 can be obtained by getting at least 30 minutes of sunshine on your legs and arms. When you are enjoying a wonderful day out in the sun, exposure to the UVB rays increases the amount of vitamin D3 in your bloodstream. Keep in mind that sunscreen or darker skin pigmentation can decrease the number of UVB rays that your body can synthesize, so it will also affect how much vitamin D3 you get from the sun. But a mere half-hour of direct sunlight will provide more vitamin D3 than a 10,000 IU supplement!
Foods that are rich in vitamin D include salmon, fortified milk and orange juice, canned sardines, beef liver, eggs, and canned tuna.
Vitamin D3 has been shown in studies to help with atherosclerosis, an accumulation of plaque in the arteries. This buildup of fatty deposits can lead to PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease) and cardiovascular events, such as a stroke or heart attack. Plaque buildup hardens our arteries and can eventually cause blood flow to decrease or stop in the affected vessels.
In addition to improving atherosclerosis, vitamin D reduces inflammation, increases insulin levels, and protects our immune system. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, which keeps our bones strong and healthy.
A vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem in America. Having low levels of vitamin D can also contribute to high blood pressure. According to the AHA Journal, "up to half of Americans that are middle age and older are deficient in vitamin D, and it can harm their cardiovascular health.
Another study published in the NCBI showed a direct link between vitamin D deficiency, PAD, and increased amputation rates. If you have PAD or are a diabetic patient, it is vital to determine your vitamin D levels and ensure you are addressing any deficiencies.
Make sunshine and walking part of your daily regimen to improve your vascular health. But as with any vitamin supplementation, you must first get your baseline levels and use supplements under the care of your doctor. This will help you avoid any contraindications with medications and prevent toxic effects from taking too much of any vitamin supplement. Balance is key, and Dr. David Nabi at NewportVascular.com can help you find your perfect balance and help improve your PAD symptoms.