Not surprisingly, there is a widespread lack of  vitamin D-3 in most populations and it contributes to cardiovascular disease becoming  the number one killer. UVB rays and cholesterol form D-3, the kind that your body needs. Sunshine provides the needed UV rays. There are two UV rays.  The UVB is weaker and less powerful but it is the most important to vitamin D-3 production.  The UVA ray is more powerful and has greater penetration going through glass and sunscreen; wheras UVB does not. (Good research shows increased skin cancers with the use of sunscreen…probably due to the decreased benefit of immune building by less UVB and vitamin D-3 production.) All cancers appear to be reduced by optimal levels of vitamin D-3.

How does vitamin D-3 affect cardiovascular disease? Inadequate levels of vitamin D-3  promote accumulation of excess blood calcium and calcified arterial linings. This is because  vitamin D-3 takes calcium from the blood and sends it into your bones instead of  into soft tissues. Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis plaque…hardening of arteries) is a major cause of heart disease.

Adequate vitamin D-3 levels show a correlation with reduced heart attack and stroke.  D-3 reduces the potential of calcified plaque in the endothelial lining and this helps prevent a heart attack. Strokes are likewise diminished because the cerebral arteries are less calcified. Reliable studies show as much as 80% to 100% deficiency of optimal vitamin D-3 in most populations… especially in populations with low skin exposure to the sun. . Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

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