Analysis Of 99 Studies Shows Vitamin D Improves Blood Pressure, Cholesterol & Insulin

While most known for its role in bone and immune health, vitamin D touches pretty much every system in your body. And studies consistently show that poor vitamin D status is linked to type 2 diabetes1, heart disease2, and inflammation. (It's estimated that 41% of U.S. adults3 are vitamin D insufficient). 

While these associations are quite clear, research on the role of vitamin D supplementation as a way to improve these cardiometabolic risk factors (i.e., high blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure) has been more convoluted. 

In this pooled analysis, researchers only included studies that looked at vitamin D supplementation compared to a placebo on measures of cardiometabolic health.

From this analysis, researchers also gleaned who benefited from vitamin D supplements the most. 

The researchers emphasized the need to take a personalized approach to supplementation. The value of 3,320 IU isn't meant to be a goal for everyone to aim for, as some will require more than that to reach and maintain optimal vitamin D levels, and some folks may need less. 

The first step in determining what's right for you is to get a vitamin D blood test. You can choose from at-home testing options (like these) or talk to your physician about adding the vitamin D test to your next set of labs. 

Now, while vitamin D sufficiency is considered to be greater than 30 mg/mL, optimal levels are even higher at 50 ng/mL.

Vitamin D supplements come in a range of doses to help get you there. For most people to achieve optimal levels, a daily supplement of 5,000 IU is recommended. 

If you've been having problems managing your blood sugar or pressure, it's time to check your vitamin D levels—because you're likely low.