It reduces heart health risks.
A recent study suggests that vitamin D supplements could help reduce blood pressure in older adults with obesity, potentially lowering their risk for heart-related issues. However, researchers found that exceeding the recommended daily intake does not offer any extra health benefits, as reported in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
Dr. Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan, a researcher from the American University of Beirut Medical Center, explained that the study indicates vitamin D supplementation could be beneficial for certain groups, such as older adults, individuals with obesity, and those with vitamin D deficiencies. While there has been a link between vitamin D deficiency and higher blood pressure, evidence on whether supplementation can effectively reduce blood pressure has been limited.
The standard recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 600 IU (15 micrograms). To test its effects, the study followed 221 obese seniors, who received either 600 IU or 3,750 IU of vitamin D daily for one year. The results showed a decrease in blood pressure among those who took the supplements, but those who received the higher dose did not experience any additional benefits.
El-Hajj Fuleihan emphasized that larger doses of vitamin D, beyond the established guidelines, did not lead to further health improvements, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the recommended daily dose for optimal health outcomes.
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