Getting enough vitamin D and exercise

Scientists have found evidence vitamin D is better for heart health if taken with exercise.

Both exercise and vitamin D have long been thought to reduce heart disease and stroke risk but a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found evidence the two are jointly even more protective of the cardiovascular system than they are individually.

An analysis of over 10,000 US adults’ health records and surveys over 20 years, identified a positive and direct relationship between exercise and vitamin D levels in the blood, showing exercise potentially boosts vitamin D stores, according to a media release from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

The research was observational though, and more investigation is needed to establish a causal link.

But there’s no harm in taking some exercise outdoors while the science continues.

It’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from diet alone but oily fish, liver, lamb, eggs, fortified milk and yoghurt all contain small amounts.

For adequate vitamin D levels, while staying sunsmart, Healthy Food Guide recommends getting three minutes of sun on our hands, face and neck on an Auckland summer’s day and 60 minutes on a winter’s day in Invercargill (HFG, August 2016).

Combine that exposure with a bit of huff and puff and you’ll keep the ticker happy.