A Comment on the Pros and Cons of Therapy with Vitamin D as a Cardiovascular Supplement The deficiency of vitamin D is estimated to be as much as 50%. A relationship has been noted between low levels of vitamin D and some components of the metabolic syndrome: hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and defects in insulin metabolism. On the other hand, decreased vitamin D only causes minimal changes in high density lipoprotein levels. There is evidence that the administration of vitamin D can induce stabilization of the endothelium and a decrease in arterial inflammation. It appears appropriate to consider a low level of vitamin D as a possible cardiovascular risk factor. Nevertheless, it is essential to assess the pros and cons of vitamin D supplementation since randomized placebo-controlled trials with vitamin D remain to be carried out.

Cardiovascular risk; Coronary heart disease; Low density lipoproteins; Peripheral vascular disease; Vitamin D