Cardiovascular diseases and Vitamin D

In observational studies, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased cardiovascular risk. The effects of vitamin D in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelial and myocardial tissues, as well as the role of vitamin D deficiency in inflammation and increased parathyroid hormone, might account for this association. However, the results of randomized controlled trials do not consistently support the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in cardiovascular diseases. Here we summarize the updated evidence on the association between vitamin D, cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases, and the results of the main interventional studies regarding vitamin D supplementation in this setting.