Vitamin D supplements may not improve heart health

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Despite many studies linking higher blood levels of vitamin D to fewer heart attacks and deaths, a new trial found giving older women daily D supplements didn’t cut their heart-related risks. The women’s cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar was no lower after a year of taking one of two doses of vitamin D, compared to those who took vitamin-free placebo pills. So-called observational studies – which measure vitamin D in people’s blood and then follow them over time – have tended to find a link between vitamin levels and heart health. …