Exercise and Vitamin D Go Together for Better Heart Health

Researchers analaysed more than 10,000 American adults for nearly 20 years and have identified a direct relationship between exercise, vitamin D and their joint role in heart health.

Results from the study found that participants who met the recommended physical activity levels and achieved vitamin D levels above 20 nanograms/ml, experienced about 23% reduced risk of an adverse cardiovascular event, as compared to those with poor physical activity and vitamin D insufficiency.

On the other hand, participants who had adequate exercise but were vitamin D deficient did not have a reduced risk of heart disease. In other words, the combined benefit of having adequate vitamin D and exercise levels was better than either health factor alone.

The World Heart Organization suggests that adults (18 to 64 years old) do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity physical activity per week.