Yes, researchers argue, vitamin D supplements help protect the heart
Vitamin D supplements can help patients reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a new analysis in Nutrients.[1] In fact, the team behind the new study argued that prior research finding no connection between vitamin D and CVD was flawed.
“The global prevalence of CVD for 2025 was estimated at 598 million, and global CVD deaths at 20.5 million,” wrote first author William B. Grant, PhD, with the Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center in San Francisco. “Thus, finding ways to reduce the risk of CVD is warranted. There has been a long-standing debate regarding the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of CVD.”
Grant et al. did note that many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have found that vitamin supplements fail to reduce cardiovascular risks when compared to a placebo. However, the team added, several other kinds of stories have told another story—and there is a reason for this difference.
“RCTs are used for medications to evaluate the use of drugs to prevent and treat diseases,” they wrote. “These drugs are not found in nature, whereas vitamin D is. Additionally, pharmacological agents have narrow dose–response curves. In contrast, nutrients are threshold agents and have broader and often S-shaped dose–response curves.”
The team reviewed more than 40 years of research, focusing on several observational studies and ecological studies linking vitamin D to different cardiovascular benefits. The improvements in CVD mortality were especially significant, the group wrote.
In addition, Grant and colleagues looked at the science behind why vitamin D is known to be good for a person’s cardiovascular health. It can help reduce blood pressure, for instance, and it helps battle inflammation in a way that benefits a person’s cardiovascular system.
“Vitamin D should be considered an integral component in the prevention and management of CVD,” the authors concluded. “Preferably, it should be used in combination with other nutritional supplements, a heart-healthy diet and prescription medications to reduce the risk of CVD incidence.”
This research received no outside funding. Click here to read the full analysis.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.