Four weeks of vitamin D supplementation improves nitric oxide-mediated microvascular function in college-aged African Americans
S. Tony Wolf, Nina G. Jablonski, Sara B. Ferguson, Lacy M. Alexander, W. Larry Kenney
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction, an antecedent to overt cardiovascular disease (CVD), is observed earlier and more frequently in otherwise healthy African Americans (AAs) when compared with other ethnic groups. Vitamin D may modulate endothelial function, and darkened skin pigmentation increases risk of vitamin D deficiency. We show that 4 wk of 2,000 IU/day vitamin D supplementation improves microvascular responses to local heating in AAs. Ensuring adequate vitamin D status may mitigate development of cardiovascular dysfunction in this at-risk population.
Topics & Concepts
Endothelial dysfunctionMedicineNitric oxideVitaminDiseaseInternal medicinePopulationEndocrinologyPhysiologyEnvironmental healthThermoregulation and physiological responsesVitamin D Research StudiesClimate Change and Health Impacts