(OrganicJar) New research shows getting too little vitamin D increases the risk of heart disease and linked to other, well-known heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

Several large studies have shown that people with low vitamin D levels were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related event. Traditionally associated with bone and muscle weakness, but in recent years a number of studies have shown that low levels of the vitamin may predispose the body to high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and chronic blood vessel inflammation.

Most of the body’s vitamin D requirements are met by the skin in response to sun exposure. Other less potent sources of vitamin D include foods such as salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, and vitamin D-fortified foods like milk and some cereals. Vitamin D can also be obtained through supplements. However, most people never get enough from the sun and don’t eat foods high in vitamn D. So make sure to you find out what your vitamin D levels are and take supplements if needed.

Vitamin D levels can be measured with a blood test that looks at a specific form of vitamin D called 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D). The current recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 200 IU per day but research explains you need to take between 1000 and 2000 IU per day. This is easy to do, just but vitamin D supplements that are 1000 IU and take two per day. One in the morning and another at dinner. Make sure to get Vitamin D3 which is shown to result in longer-lasting effects.

Source: web md