Too Much Vitamin D Could Harm Heart

Utah, when associated with heart disease, vitamin D can be a double-edged sword. Vitamin D deficiency can cause heart problems. But new research suggests that vitamin D levels higher than normal can cause the heart to beat very quickly and get out of rhythm.

That condition is a condition known as atrial fibrillation. The research results were presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association (AHA).

The study, involving 132 000 patients have been on the Utah-based medical center. Based on the results of these studies found that the risk of atrial fibrillation increased almost 3-fold when vitamin D levels are too high.

"Most people get vitamin D needs of their everyday from the sun. But the people who live in areas that do not always get enough sun, it is often advisable to take vitamin D supplements to protect your bones and heart," said Dr.. Jared Bunch, director of electrophysiology research at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah as reported from MSNHealth, Friday (11/18/2011).

However, because all people absorb these supplements with different levels. The levels of vitamin D in the blood should be tested to ensure they are within a safe range. High levels of vitamin D only occurs when people consume supplements.

"Because consumers regard the-counter supplements are safe. Consumers may not realize the dangers of consuming too much vitamin D. The people looked at vitamin D supplementation as a natural therapy to treat various diseases and as a means of disease prevention," explains Dr. Bunch.

The normal range for vitamin D intake is 41-80 nanograms per deciliter (ng / dl). Patients in the study who are at risk of heart problems has been shown to have excessive levels of vitamin D, ie above 100 ng / dl.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily intake of vitamin D are recommended for people with 1-70 years of age is 600 IU units. Recommendations are made based on the amount sufficient for bone health.

There are few natural food sources for vitamin D, among others:
1. Tuna
2. Salmon
3. Cheese
4. Egg yolk

For example, 3 ounces of cooked salmon contains 447 IU of vitamin D per serving. A complete list of foods containing vitamin D also has been widely available.

"The advice for people newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and taking supplements of vitamin D is to make sure the doctor has examined the levels of vitamin D in their blood. Levels of vitamin D in the blood is too high, thought to have reversible effects on cardiac rhythm," said Dr.. Bunch.

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