Researchers studied 299 elderly people in Italy to understand how vitamin D levels affect heart disease risk. They found that people with lower vitamin D had significantly higher chances of developing heart problems. The study also looked at a protein called periostin, which was connected to both vitamin D levels and heart health. These findings suggest that checking vitamin D levels might help doctors identify which older adults are at greater risk for heart disease, opening new ways to prevent problems before they start.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether vitamin D levels and a protein called periostin are connected to heart disease risk in older people
  • Who participated: 299 elderly people (average age 73) from Italy who had their blood tested for vitamin D and periostin levels
  • Key finding: People with very low vitamin D (below 41 pg/mL) were about 3 times more likely to have high heart disease risk compared to those with normal levels
  • What it means for you: Getting your vitamin D checked might be a simple way to understand your heart health risk as you age. If your levels are low, your doctor might recommend supplements or more sun exposure, though more research is needed to confirm this helps prevent heart disease

The Research Details

This was a snapshot study, meaning researchers looked at a group of people at one point in time rather than following them over years. They took blood samples from 299 older adults living in Italy and measured how much vitamin D and periostin each person had. They then compared these levels to each person’s estimated risk of developing heart disease using established medical guidelines. The researchers used statistical tools to see if people with lower vitamin D or periostin also had higher heart disease risk scores.

The study measured two different forms of vitamin D in the blood: 25-hydroxyvitamin D (the main storage form) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (the active form). They also looked at periostin, a protein that appears to play a role in bone and heart health. By examining all three together, the researchers could see how they related to each other and to heart disease risk.

This type of study is useful for spotting patterns and connections between health markers, which can lead to new ideas for prevention. While it can’t prove that low vitamin D causes heart disease, it can show that the two are linked. This information helps doctors know which blood tests might be worth checking in older patients and guides future research into whether vitamin D supplements could help prevent heart problems.

The study included a reasonable number of participants (299 people) and used established methods to measure vitamin D and estimate heart disease risk. However, because it’s a snapshot study rather than following people over time, we can’t be certain about cause and effect. The study was conducted in Italy, so results might differ slightly in other populations. The researchers used proper statistical methods to account for other factors that might affect heart health.

What the Results Show

The main discovery was that people with very low vitamin D levels (below 41 pg/mL) had about 3 times higher odds of having high heart disease risk compared to those with adequate levels. This connection remained strong even after researchers accounted for other factors like age and other health conditions.

The study also found that periostin, a protein in the blood, was connected to both vitamin D levels and heart disease risk. People with lower periostin levels tended to have higher heart disease risk. Interestingly, periostin and the active form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) showed a moderate positive relationship, meaning they tend to move together in the body.

When researchers looked at the two main forms of vitamin D separately, the storage form (25-hydroxyvitamin D) showed the strongest connection to heart disease risk. This is important because this is the form doctors typically measure in routine blood tests.

The study found that the active form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) also showed a connection to heart disease risk, though the storage form was more strongly linked. The relationship between periostin and vitamin D suggests these two substances may work together in ways that affect heart health. The researchers used two different methods to estimate heart disease risk (a general score and a specific European guideline), and both showed similar patterns with vitamin D and periostin levels.

Previous research has suggested that vitamin D plays a role in heart health, and this study adds to that evidence by showing a clear connection in older adults specifically. The finding about periostin is newer and less well-established in the research world, so this study contributes important information about how this protein might relate to heart disease. The strength of the vitamin D connection found here is consistent with what other studies have shown, making the results more believable.

Because this study took a snapshot at one point in time, we can’t know if low vitamin D causes heart disease or if people with heart disease tend to have lower vitamin D. The study included only older adults from Italy, so results might be different for younger people or those from other countries. The study didn’t track people over time to see who actually developed heart disease, so we’re relying on risk estimates rather than actual outcomes. Additionally, the study couldn’t account for all possible factors affecting heart health, such as diet, exercise, or sun exposure habits.

The Bottom Line

If you’re over 65, ask your doctor about checking your vitamin D levels as part of routine heart health screening (moderate confidence). If your levels are low, discuss vitamin D supplementation or increased sun exposure with your doctor (moderate confidence). Don’t rely on vitamin D alone for heart disease prevention—maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage other risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol (high confidence). These findings are promising but not yet strong enough to change standard medical practice on their own.

Older adults (especially those over 65) should pay attention to these findings, particularly if they have other heart disease risk factors. People with limited sun exposure or those who live in northern climates may especially benefit from checking vitamin D levels. This research is less directly relevant to younger, healthier individuals, though maintaining adequate vitamin D is still important for overall health. People with existing heart disease should discuss these findings with their cardiologist.

If you start vitamin D supplementation based on your doctor’s recommendation, it typically takes 2-3 months to see blood levels improve. However, it may take 6-12 months or longer to see any potential benefits for heart health. This is a long-term health strategy, not a quick fix.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your vitamin D supplementation (if recommended) and record your monthly vitamin D blood test results when available. Note any changes in energy levels, mood, or heart-related symptoms. Set a reminder to check vitamin D levels annually or as recommended by your doctor.
  • If your vitamin D is low, use the app to: (1) set daily reminders to take vitamin D supplements at the same time each day, (2) log sun exposure time during outdoor activities, (3) track foods rich in vitamin D like fatty fish and fortified dairy, and (4) schedule regular check-ups to retest vitamin D levels.
  • Create a long-term tracking dashboard showing: vitamin D blood test results over time, supplement adherence rates, seasonal patterns in vitamin D levels, and correlation with any heart health markers your doctor monitors. Review quarterly to identify trends and discuss with your healthcare provider.

This research suggests a connection between vitamin D levels and heart disease risk in older adults, but it does not prove that vitamin D supplements will prevent heart disease. These findings are from a single study and should not replace medical advice from your doctor. Before starting any vitamin D supplements or making changes to your health routine, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing heart conditions or take medications. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.