Vitamin D has been studied extensively for its potential impact on heart health, particularly its relationship with atrial fibrillation (AF). The findings are somewhat mixed, but several key points emerge from recent research:
1. Risk Reduction: Higher doses of vitamin D may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation. A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that taking higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin D for five years reduced the risk of developing AF in older adults . Participants who took 1,600 IU/day of vitamin D3 saw a 27% lower risk, although those on 3,200 IU/day did not see a statistically significant reduction.
2. Deficiency Risks: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of AF. A meta-analysis revealed that low vitamin D levels (less than 20 ng/mL) slightly increase the risk of AF. Conversely, each 10 ng/mL increase in serum vitamin D was associated with a 5% decrease in AF risk.
I’ve started daily dosing and have seen reduced arrhythmia. I don’t know if it’s a placebo or actually works.
would be interested to hear any experience you have?
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Not sure I’m going to take any advice or believe anything on Chat GPT, still very unreliable.
Participants who took 1,600 IU/day of vitamin D3 saw a 27% lower risk, although those on 3,200 IU/day did not see a statistically significant reduction.
Really?! 27% lower risk from what? The whole statement is meaningless. You would have to read the original study to make an assessment and was that cited?
Generally speaking though, like most things, lots of hypotheses and no meaningful evidence. Have you had your VitD levels checked? I was advised to keep at the high end of range. I was also warned by my neurologist to only take maximum daily dose of 400iu daily as large regular doses can cause kidney stones.
There is some controversy also as to the bioavailability of most commercial OTC versions of VitD. There is a bioavailable version but not sold in UK or many countries. I believe it is available in Italy?
My personal experience is that keeping high range of normal is useful in fighting infections which for me = inflammation = AF.
If you take VitD ensure you also take a version which includes K3.
I have taken to improve immune response and to direct calcium to bones for osteoporosis and Exeter Uni were studying VitD for link between low VitD levels and dementia but never come across any link between VitD and AF before, just be careful with self dosing without knowing your serum levels.
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Do Google (other web search engines are available) Vit D3 and any heart meds you may be taking. Interactions with amlodipine and atorvastatin also digoxin spring to mind, but there are others. One reason why I stick to guidelines from reliable sources on daily amounts although I know many folk are in favour of much higher doses.
If you want a balanced view of supplements etc look at the Healthline.com website which is recommended by my GP practice. I think this demonstrates beautifully what’s wrong with advice from ChatGPT!
Yes, like Google, if the person seeking the info has the ability to think critically, it’s a great tool for learning. I use it a lot. It seems the ‘older’ generation are unsure of modern tools. Most countries are moving ahead in leaps and bounds with AI and there will be a lot left behind because of their reluctance to learn about it.
Vitamin D “handshakes” with magnesium.. if you are low in one.. you will certainly be low in the other… magnesium taurate is the best mineral for heart rhythms … it counteracts calcium… so is a natural calcium channel blocker… which incidentally is where vitamin D comes in… high levels of Vit D equals high levels of calcium in serum…get the balance right and you should reduce abnormalities of rhythm.
I don’t think there’s any evidence one way or another. Deficiency and insufficiency probably does increase the statistical risk of various conditions in the long term but taking X dose of a particular nutrient in order to prevent Y disease at the individual level is probably a bit of a reach. AF like most chronic conditions is multifactorial with so many contributing factors including genetics, exposure to viruses, your age, environmental factors etc. There’s also the question of supplements versus sun exposure, and there may well be more advantages to the sun exposure route to increasing your vitamin D levels completely to taking a supplement. However, I live in the UK and I’m Celtic, burn easily and never tan so sun exposure is rather challenging and I take a supplement. My feeling is that safe sun exposure is going to have more benefits than popping a pill, even though I get that it’s what many of us have to do.
I do urge you to check your vitamin D levels before you embark on taking any additional vitamin D and continue to get levels checked for a while until they stop going higher. Levels can take a while ( a few months) to reach a higher level.
I had a vitamin D deficiency, probably for many years, discovered a couple of years ago, caused by a medication interaction that I wasn’t made aware of. For the past two years I take a high 4000iu daily in order to keep my levels just above mid range of normal. I have had very infrequent AF for the past two years or so, ( two episodes last year and one this year so far) but my AF has never been too high a burden, for many years. I’ve also been taking a beta blocker, which of course could also have helped.
I’ve started daily dosing and have seen reduced arrhythmia.
Vitamin D has many benefits, not sure about its effect on afib.
Best to consult your GP and have a blood test to determine your level of Vitamin D to determine the need for a supplement and afib/arrhythmia benefits.
(For the record, per advice of my GP I have been taking 2000 IU Vitamin D for 14 years and it did not prevent afib which was diagnosed in '21. But we are all different.)
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