Vitamin D3 may heal and prevent cardiovascular damage

A new study from Ohio University suggests that Vitamin D3, made by the body naturally when the skin is exposed to the sun, may restore damage to the cardiovascular system caused by diseases including hypertension, diabetes and atherosclerosis. 

The study published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine reports that Vitamin D3 is a powerful stimulator of nitric oxide (nitric oxide relaxes the inner lining of the blood vessels known as the endothelium resulting in increased blood flow).  The team at Ohio University developed new systems of measurements using nano sensors to track the impact of D3 on single endothelial cells and found that D3 also reduced the level of oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system.

The study authors believe that treatment using Vitamin D3 can significantly restore damage to the cardiovascular system whilst also reducing the risk of a heart attack. 

NOTE:  Public Health England recommends that the majority of adults should consider taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of Vitamin D during the autumn and winter months.  Those who have little or no exposure to the sun and those from ethnic minority groups with dark skin should consider taking a supplement all year round.