Vitamin D Deficiency and Stroke

Deficiency of vitamin D is one of the most frequently identified nutrient deficiencies. It is estimated that over a billion people in the world are deficient. Any measurement below 30 ng/ml is considered insufficient or deficient. Low vitamin D levels are associated with a number of disease states including autoimmune conditions, flu or influenza, heart disease, depression, cancer, fractures, type 2 diabetes and even, recently, stroke risk. Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the world.

Vitamin D is important for absorption of calcium and phosphorus which are critical for healthy bones. Lack of adequate intake of vitamin D can decrease phosphorus absorption to 60% and calcium absorption to 10-15 percent of dietary intake.

Low levels of vitamin D appears to increase the risk of stroke, increase the risk of death from stroke in white people, and may impair recovery after a stroke.

Oral bisphosphonates (such as Fosamax and Boniva) are often recommended for bone loss along with calcium. A recent study suggests that the use of calcium with the bisphosphonates may actually increase the risk of one type of stroke. The researchers conclude with the following observation: "The results of the present study suggest that the long-term use of calcium supplements without vitamin D increases the risk of cardioembolic IS (ischemic stroke), which seems particularly great when used in combination with oral bisphosphonates."

Reference:

Link to Review Article on stroke and vitamin D deficiency.

Bisphosphonates, calcium, and stroke risk