Despite its many benefits, vitamin D does not prevent atrial fibrillation

Naturally produced by our body when our skin is exposed to the sun, Vitamin D is essential for our good health. Also present in fatty fish meat and fish liver oils, its benefits have been proven by numerous scientific studies. Protective of our bones, our cells, our muscles, our cardiovascular system or our immune system, vitamin D would have no beneficial effect on the development of atrial fibrillation.

This is the conclusion reached by researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute in a study presented at the scientific sessions of the American Heart Association. “The results of our trials are not favorable to taking fish oil or vitamin D supplements to prevent atrial fibrillation”explains Christine M. Albert, lead author of the work. She specifies, however, that vitamin D supplementation does not “It also didn’t increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, which is good news for people who mistake them for other health problems.”.

No significant effect of vitamin D.

Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat irregularly. It can cause clots to form in the atrium cavity of the heart, which can then travel from the heart to the brain and cause a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Atrial fibrillation can also lead to weakening of the lower chamber of the heart, which causes fluid accumulation or heart failure.

Until now, the various observational studies conducted on the effects of vitamin D on atrial fibrillation had drawn conflicting conclusions, which left both doctors and patients uncertain about the recommendations in place. “This is the first large-scale trial that has led us to a definitive result”.says Dr. Albert.

Its randomized clinical trial followed 25,000 women and men residing in the United States with no history of atrial fibrillation for more than five years. At the end of the five-year follow-up, 900 participants, or 3.6%, were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

The study results show that there were no statistically significant differences between participants who were assigned to take vitamin D or fish oil supplements and those who were assigned a placebo.

According to the researchers, it is now necessary to better inform patients about the risk of atrial fibrillation, put in place both effective preventive measures, but also continue research on this heart disorder which can have serious consequences. .

“Although these two supplements do not prevent atrial fibrillation, recent studies have suggested that lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure and moderating alcohol consumption, can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation. continue to educate the public on ways to reduce risk and seek new ways to prevent this disease “concludes Dr. Albert.