There is an increased incidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in individuals who have low levels of vitamin D, a new study has found.
Peripheral arterial disease is associated with reduced blood flow in the legs. The condition is caused when arteries in the legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty plaque.
Researchers analyzed data from 4,839 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2001 to 2004 to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and peripheral arterial disease. After examining the data, the study authors found that there was a greater prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in subjects with the lowest levels of vitamin D compared to subjects with the highest levels. The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in subjects with the lowest levels of vitamin D was 8.1 percent compared to 3.7 percent in subjects who had the highest levels.
After adjusting for age, sex, race and co-existing health problems, the scientists found that peripheral arterial disease was 64 percent more common in the group with low vitamin D levels compared with the group with the highest levels. For each 10 ng/mL decrease in vitamin D level, the risk for peripheral arterial disease increased by 29 percent.
The study authors concluded, “Low serum 25(OH)D [vitamin D] levels are associated with a higher prevalence of PAD. Several mechanisms have been invoked in the literature to support a potential antiatherosclerotic activity of vitamin D. Prospective cohort and mechanistic studies should be designed to confirm this association.”
Reference:
Melamed ML, Muntner P, Michos ED, Uribarri J, Weber C, Sharma J, Raggi P. Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and the Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease. Results from NHANES 2001 to 2004. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008 Apr 16. Published online ahead of print.