According to a new study, lack of a vitamin D that is received through sunlight can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Dr. James H. O’Keefe, who led the study, says in this connection: “There are many studies that show link between vitamin D deficiency and higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.”

“Usually risk of high blood pressure, left ventricle stiffening and diabetes are related to vitamin D deficiency. People deficient in vitamin D have higher ratio of inflammation and inflammation is considered quite important forheart disease.”

According to some experts, almost 30% children and teens, and half of adults in the US suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

Data from the Framingham Heart Study shows that people with below 15nanograms/ml blood have two times more risk of having a heart attack or some other cardiovascular disease.

Human skin has the ability to produce vitamin D in sunshine and that’s why vitamin D is quite well-known as the sunshine vitamin.

“People need to balance the related benefits and risks of sun exposure, but they must keep in mind that a little bit exposure to sun is good for them. However, they must also use sunscreen if they enjoy 20 to 30 minutes intense sunlight, as it helps to avoid skin cancer,” Keefe added.

He said that some foods like salmon and other kinds of fish were a nice source of vitamin D.