Nov. 7, 2022&mdash;Vitamin D helps keep our bodies healthy. It strengthens our bones. It supports our immune system as it fights off bacteria and viruses. 

And because people who have higher levels of vitamin D are less likely to have heart disease, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=nih">National Institutes of Health</a> (NIH) sponsored a study to find out if vitamin D supplements might be able to keep people heart-healthy. 

But if you've been taking vitamin D supplements for your heart, there's something you should know: More is not better.

An ongoing study supported by the NIH showed no benefit from moderate or high-dose vitamin D supplements. They compared people taking at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D to people taking a placebo. For most people, these doses did not reduce risk for having a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death.

More isn't better

Getting too much vitamin D can be harmful. Adults shouldn't get more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D a day from supplements or food. It can cause high calcium levels in the blood, which can lead to:
<ul>
 <li>Nausea.</li>
 <li>Vomiting.</li>
 <li>Muscle weakness.</li>
 <li>Confusion.</li>
 <li>Pain.</li>
 <li>Loss of appetite.</li>
 <li>Dehydration.</li>
 <li>Excessive urination and thirst.</li>
 <li>Kidney stones.</li>
</ul>

Plus, extremely high levels, usually caused by taking excessive amounts of vitamin D dietary supplements, can cause kidney failure, irregular heartbeat and even death.

How to get enough vitamin D

The NIH recommends a daily intake of 600 IU of vitamin D&mdash;mostly from food and beverages&mdash; for people age 1 to 70. Older folks should aim for 800 IU.

Instead of taking supplements, try these ways to get safe amounts of vitamin D.
<ul>
 <li>Get outdoors. Your body creates vitamin D when the sun shines on your bare skin. For most people, it takes just 15 minutes a few times a week to get enough. That way, you can avoid taking supplements. And, while you're out there, why not walk, run or do other heart-healthy activities?</li>
 <li>Eat your vitamin D. Go for fatty fish, fortified dairy products and cereals, and certain mushrooms that are exposed to ultraviolet light while growing.</li>
 <li>Check food labels. Assess how much vitamin D you're getting by looking at the numbers. That way, you can avoid getting too much of a good thing.</li>
</ul>

How to help your heart

Since taking too much vitamin D won't help your heart, what else can you do? Here are <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Story.aspx?StoryID=df65788c-cd28-412e-b346-7e682a949452">six ways to prevent heart disease</a>.

The truth about vitamin D and heart health

Taking high doses of vitamin D doesn't lower the risk of heart disease, according to recent research. But you still need this essential vitamin for bone health and a strong immune system. Learn how much is enough—and how to get it.