A simple step could help millions of people reduce their risk of heart disease, according to new research: make sure to get enough vitamin D. The new research elucidates linkages between skin pigmentation, vitamin D, and indicators of cardiovascular health. Combined with evidence from previous resea
rch, the new study suggests vitamin D deficiency could contribute to the high rate of heart disease among African Americans.
Your need for vitamin D supplementation depends on a variety of factors, Wolf noted. These include where you live, how much time you spend in the sun, your skin pigmentation, and your age. Melanin, which is more concentrated in darker skin, is known to inhibit the process our bodies use to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. As a result, darkly pigmented people may make less vitamin D, which could potentially lead to vitamin D deficiency.