Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 22 Researches
6.8
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 5 Reviews
7.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol) (from Lanolin)
50 mcg (2,000 IU)
250%

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Calcitriol aids heart recovery
We examined the impact of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, on heart attack recovery using a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). In our study, we treated mice that had suffered a MI with calcitriol and observed promising results.

Our findings revealed that calcitriol helped reverse negative effects on heart function and reduced cardiac remodeling after a heart attack. It also targeted the inflammatory response typically associated with MI, improving the survival of heart muscle cells and promoting their regeneration.

We discovered that calcitriol works by enhancing the activity of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This process not only interferes with inflammatory signals but also leads to positive changes at the genetic level, further supporting heart health after an MI. Overall, our study provides strong evidence of calcitriol's cardioprotective properties, making it a potential treatment avenue for better outcomes following a heart attack.
9
VD3 improves heart attack outcomes
We explored the impact of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) on heart health, particularly after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To investigate this, we used male C57/BL6J mice and conducted a series of experiments, comparing those treated with VD3 to control groups.

Our findings revealed that VD3 treated mice showed significant improvement in heart function following AMI. This treatment not only enhanced cardiac function parameters but also reduced inflammation and the extent of myocardial damage. There was a notable decline in inflammatory markers and a decrease in cell apoptosis, indicated by a rise in protective proteins and a fall in those that lead to cell death.

In our in vitro studies with cardiomyocytes, we observed that VD3 boosted autophagy markers, enhancing the body’s ability to manage damaged cells. It seemed to activate key pathways involved in cell survival and repair, specifically the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. However, when we inhibited this pathway with 3-methyladenine, the benefits of VD3 were reversed, indicating a direct link between autophagy promotion and the protective effects of VD3.

In summary, our research indicates that VD3 can be a valuable ally in the fight against heart damage and inflammation after a heart attack, primarily by supporting cellular repair processes.
We explored the impact of vitamin D levels on heart attack severity by examining 77 patients who experienced ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A key focus was to understand how vitamin D deficiency might relate to the amount of thrombus, or blood clots, present in coronary arteries.

The findings revealed that a striking 79.22% of patients had vitamin D levels below what is considered adequate (less than 20 ng/mL). Notably, those with mild thrombus loads had higher vitamin D levels compared to those classified with severe thrombus loads, indicating a clear connection.

Furthermore, we discovered a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and the severity of thrombus. The lower the vitamin D levels, the higher the thrombus burden and the post-procedural TIMI frame count—essentially metrics that show how blood flows in the heart after treatment. This highlights that maintaining adequate vitamin D might be crucial for individuals at risk of severe heart complications.

Most Useful Reviews

6
Improved mental clarity
2 people found this helpful
While I didn’t feel less tired, my stamina improved. After a good night’s sleep, I wake up alert. This supplement hasn't dramatically changed my life, but I haven’t suffered from headaches or high blood pressure for three months. Panic attacks and anxiety have also diminished.
7.5
No symptoms reported
4 people found this helpful
Easy to take. If it is 5000 IU, an overdose could cause hypercalcemia, leading to calcium deposits in blood vessels, kidneys, and lungs, resulting in renal dysfunction, anorexia, and vomiting. Thankfully, I have experienced none of these symptoms and my heart feels somewhat improved.
4
Addressing vitamin D3 deficiency
5 people found this helpful
I took this brand for nearly two years and later discovered a significant vitamin D3 deficiency. I now use a liquid form for better absorption. Vitamin D is vital for health, but both deficiency and excess can be harmful. It plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of various conditions, including heart attack.

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 22 Researches
6.8
  • All Researches
9.5
Vitamin D3 enhances heart recovery
We conducted a detailed study to uncover how vitamin D3, combined with exercise, affects recovery from heart attacks. Our research involved fifty-six male rats, some of which experienced a simulated heart attack, while others served as a control group.

The rats were then divided into several groups, receiving different treatments over eight weeks. We specifically looked at how vitamin D3 and aerobic-resistance training together impacted cardiac health, focusing on the important TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway known to contribute to heart damage.

Our findings were quite revealing. We noticed that the combinations of vitamin D3 and exercise training significantly improved heart function. Specifically, those receiving both treatments showed higher heart ejection fractions and lower levels of TGF-β1 and collagen proteins, indicating less cardiac fibrosis. In contrast, the groups that only received one treatment did not show the same level of improvement.

This suggests that while vitamin D3 on its own was not studied in isolation, its combination with exercise led to better outcomes in heart attack recovery. Overall, these results indicate a promising role for vitamin D3 alongside exercise in supporting heart health after a heart attack.
9
Vitamin D and activity improve survival
We examined how vitamin D status and physical activity (PA) relate to long-term survival following a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI). In our analysis of 4,837 MI patients, we measured the levels of vitamin D in their blood and assessed their physical activity using a reliable questionnaire.

Over an average follow-up of 14.4 years, we observed that higher vitamin D levels were linked to a significant reduction in both cardiovascular (CVD) and all-cause mortality. Specifically, patients with adequate vitamin D levels had about 37% lower risk of CVD-related deaths compared to those with lower levels. Additionally, engaging in more physical activity also correlated with a lower mortality risk.

Importantly, we found that those with low vitamin D levels and little to no physical activity faced a threefold increased risk of mortality compared to patients who had high vitamin D levels and were active. These findings suggest that both vitamin D and physical activity independently contribute to improving survival rates post-heart attack, regardless of other health factors.

Overall, this study underscores the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels and encouraging physical activity to enhance recovery and longevity after a heart attack.
9
Calcitriol aids heart recovery
We examined the impact of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, on heart attack recovery using a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). In our study, we treated mice that had suffered a MI with calcitriol and observed promising results.

Our findings revealed that calcitriol helped reverse negative effects on heart function and reduced cardiac remodeling after a heart attack. It also targeted the inflammatory response typically associated with MI, improving the survival of heart muscle cells and promoting their regeneration.

We discovered that calcitriol works by enhancing the activity of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This process not only interferes with inflammatory signals but also leads to positive changes at the genetic level, further supporting heart health after an MI. Overall, our study provides strong evidence of calcitriol's cardioprotective properties, making it a potential treatment avenue for better outcomes following a heart attack.
9
We explored the effects of vitamin D3 on heart injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), a common scenario during heart attacks. Using a laboratory model that mimicked this condition, we discovered that I/R treatment significantly harmed heart cells, leading to cell death and increased oxidative stress.

We observed that I/R conditions prompted an increase in mitochondrial fission and mitophagy—mechanisms that can worsen heart injury. However, when we introduced vitamin D3, it appeared to counteract these detrimental effects. Specifically, vitamin D3 decreased cell death and reduced harmful mitochondrial changes, suggesting a protective role for this vitamin.

In live mice undergoing I/R, we confirmed that vitamin D3 treatment effectively reduced not only apoptosis (cell death) but also the adverse changes in mitochondrial function and structure. Overall, our findings indicate that vitamin D3 could be an important ally in safeguarding the heart during a heart attack by maintaining the integrity of mitochondrial function.
9
VD3 improves heart attack outcomes
We explored the impact of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) on heart health, particularly after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To investigate this, we used male C57/BL6J mice and conducted a series of experiments, comparing those treated with VD3 to control groups.

Our findings revealed that VD3 treated mice showed significant improvement in heart function following AMI. This treatment not only enhanced cardiac function parameters but also reduced inflammation and the extent of myocardial damage. There was a notable decline in inflammatory markers and a decrease in cell apoptosis, indicated by a rise in protective proteins and a fall in those that lead to cell death.

In our in vitro studies with cardiomyocytes, we observed that VD3 boosted autophagy markers, enhancing the body’s ability to manage damaged cells. It seemed to activate key pathways involved in cell survival and repair, specifically the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. However, when we inhibited this pathway with 3-methyladenine, the benefits of VD3 were reversed, indicating a direct link between autophagy promotion and the protective effects of VD3.

In summary, our research indicates that VD3 can be a valuable ally in the fight against heart damage and inflammation after a heart attack, primarily by supporting cellular repair processes.

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 5 Reviews
7.8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
6
Improved mental clarity
2 people found this helpful
While I didn’t feel less tired, my stamina improved. After a good night’s sleep, I wake up alert. This supplement hasn't dramatically changed my life, but I haven’t suffered from headaches or high blood pressure for three months. Panic attacks and anxiety have also diminished.
7.5
No symptoms reported
4 people found this helpful
Easy to take. If it is 5000 IU, an overdose could cause hypercalcemia, leading to calcium deposits in blood vessels, kidneys, and lungs, resulting in renal dysfunction, anorexia, and vomiting. Thankfully, I have experienced none of these symptoms and my heart feels somewhat improved.
4
Addressing vitamin D3 deficiency
5 people found this helpful
I took this brand for nearly two years and later discovered a significant vitamin D3 deficiency. I now use a liquid form for better absorption. Vitamin D is vital for health, but both deficiency and excess can be harmful. It plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of various conditions, including heart attack.
7.5
Better heart health
2 people found this helpful
The value of vitamin D for my body is significant. It maintains bone health and reduces the chances of heart attack and stroke. I’ve been taking this supplement daily for about two years, and I've noticed I feel more cheerful with fewer headaches. The small capsules are convenient to swallow.
7.5
Healthy immune system
2 people found this helpful
Vitamin D3 is critical for a healthy immune system, and those supplementing experience fewer viral symptoms and a reduced risk of autoimmune diseases. My mother, who is 83, and I both take 70,000 IU weekly. We recovered well from Covid, thanks to this supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

6
Improved mental clarity
2 people found this helpful
While I didn’t feel less tired, my stamina improved. After a good night’s sleep, I wake up alert. This supplement hasn't dramatically changed my life, but I haven’t suffered from headaches or high blood pressure for three months. Panic attacks and anxiety have also diminished.
7.5
Better heart health
2 people found this helpful
The value of vitamin D for my body is significant. It maintains bone health and reduces the chances of heart attack and stroke. I’ve been taking this supplement daily for about two years, and I've noticed I feel more cheerful with fewer headaches. The small capsules are convenient to swallow.
4
Addressing vitamin D3 deficiency
5 people found this helpful
I took this brand for nearly two years and later discovered a significant vitamin D3 deficiency. I now use a liquid form for better absorption. Vitamin D is vital for health, but both deficiency and excess can be harmful. It plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of various conditions, including heart attack.
7.5
No symptoms reported
4 people found this helpful
Easy to take. If it is 5000 IU, an overdose could cause hypercalcemia, leading to calcium deposits in blood vessels, kidneys, and lungs, resulting in renal dysfunction, anorexia, and vomiting. Thankfully, I have experienced none of these symptoms and my heart feels somewhat improved.
7.5
Healthy immune system
2 people found this helpful
Vitamin D3 is critical for a healthy immune system, and those supplementing experience fewer viral symptoms and a reduced risk of autoimmune diseases. My mother, who is 83, and I both take 70,000 IU weekly. We recovered well from Covid, thanks to this supplement.
9
Vitamin D and activity improve survival
We examined how vitamin D status and physical activity (PA) relate to long-term survival following a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI). In our analysis of 4,837 MI patients, we measured the levels of vitamin D in their blood and assessed their physical activity using a reliable questionnaire.

Over an average follow-up of 14.4 years, we observed that higher vitamin D levels were linked to a significant reduction in both cardiovascular (CVD) and all-cause mortality. Specifically, patients with adequate vitamin D levels had about 37% lower risk of CVD-related deaths compared to those with lower levels. Additionally, engaging in more physical activity also correlated with a lower mortality risk.

Importantly, we found that those with low vitamin D levels and little to no physical activity faced a threefold increased risk of mortality compared to patients who had high vitamin D levels and were active. These findings suggest that both vitamin D and physical activity independently contribute to improving survival rates post-heart attack, regardless of other health factors.

Overall, this study underscores the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels and encouraging physical activity to enhance recovery and longevity after a heart attack.
4
Vitamin D deficiency and heart attacks
We explored the intriguing connection between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of heart attacks, specifically myocardial infarctions (MIs). Numerous studies suggest that low levels of vitamin D might play a role in developing coronary artery disease, which is a leading cause of MI. It's noteworthy that vitamin D isn't just important for bone health; it appears to have protective effects on the heart as well.

We observed patterns from various observational studies that show a correlation between low vitamin D levels and an increased incidence of heart attacks. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency may lead to post-infarction complications and contribute to harmful cardiac remodeling. However, while the potential benefits of vitamin D seem promising, the exact impact of vitamin D supplementation on reducing heart attack risk is still inconclusive, as many interventional studies yielded mixed results.

Ultimately, we recognize that vitamin D deficiency is manageable and that assessing and treating this deficiency could be pivotal, especially for individuals who experience acute myocardial infarction. Future research is therefore essential to clarify whether vitamin D supplementation can effectively reduce heart attack risks and to determine appropriate dosing and long-term effects on heart health.
We aimed to understand how vitamin D levels, specifically the active form called calcitriol, relate to heart health, particularly after a heart attack. In our study involving 80 patients who had undergone a procedure to treat a heart attack, we measured their calcidiol and calcitriol levels roughly 24 hours post-treatment.

What we found was quite revealing. A staggering 75% of the patients had low levels of 25-OH vitamin D3, which is crucial for various body functions, including heart health. Interestingly, those with a lower left ventricular ejection fraction—meaning their heart wasn't pumping effectively—also showed significantly lower levels of both calcidiol and calcitriol. This suggests a relationship between vitamin D levels and how well the heart functions after an injury like a heart attack.

However, we should note that while these findings are intriguing, they are not yet conclusive. The current evidence mainly comes from small-scale studies like ours, with a lack of larger clinical trials to fully confirm the role of vitamin D in heart attack recovery. Overall, while low vitamin D levels appear to correlate with heart function issues following a heart attack, more research is necessary to determine if vitamin D treatment could provide significant benefits.
7
Vitamin D levels predict recovery
We investigated the connection between vitamin D levels and heart attack recovery, specifically looking at patients who experienced a no-reflow phenomenon (NRP) during their treatment. The research included 496 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent a procedure called primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

After restoring blood flow, we categorized patients into those with normal flow and those with NRP. The results revealed that 18.2% of the patients experienced NRP, and notably, those with NRP had significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D (25(OH)D3) compared to their peers with normal blood flow.

Furthermore, we noted a strong correlation between lower vitamin D levels and higher markers of inflammation. In a more detailed analysis, we found that vitamin D levels at admission independently predicted NRP occurrence. Our findings suggest that a vitamin D level below 10.5 ng/ml may signal a higher risk for NRP after a heart attack, indicating that monitoring vitamin D could help improve patient outcomes following cardiac events, even if this study did not specifically examine vitamin D treatment options.
4
Vitamin D receptor vital for heart
We delved into how the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) influences cardiomyocytes, especially under conditions like those seen during a heart attack. Our research focused on understanding the effects of hypoxia, a common issue in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), where heart cells suffer from a lack of oxygen.

We discovered that VDR levels decrease in both AMI patients and in cardiomyocytes being deprived of oxygen. By using specific techniques to reduce VDR activity, we noticed a significant increase in oxidative stress and cell death, or apoptosis, among these heart cells. This negative outcome was not improved by Vitamin D treatment, indicating that merely providing Vitamin D may not be enough if the VDR is compromised.

Additionally, we observed that knocking down VDR in cardiomyocytes led to harmful changes via the HIF-1α/HO-1 pathway, which further escalated cell damage. Interestingly, enhancing VDR levels showed promise as it reduced factors associated with inflammation, suggesting that maintaining healthy VDR function could be key in protecting heart cells during hypoxic injuries.

In conclusion, while Vitamin D supplementation alone did not promote significant improvements in heart health post-hypoxia, supporting the functions of VDR appears to be vital in managing oxidative stress and preventing cell death during conditions like a heart attack.

References

  1. Balasubramanian A, Kunchala K, Shahbaz A, Kar A, Sankar J, et al. Association of Vitamin D Deficiency as an Independent Risk Factor for Myocardial Infarction and Its Therapeutic Implications: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2025;17:e77375. doi:10.7759/cureus.77375
  2. Li Q, Tong Y, Guo J, Liang X, Shao H, et al. Vitamin D Receptor Regulates Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Via the HIF-1α/HO-1 Pathway in Cardiomyocytes. Cell Biochem Biophys. 2025. doi:10.1007/s12013-025-01681-x
  3. Olędzki S, Siennicka A, Maciejewska-Markiewicz D, Stachowska E, Jakubiak N, et al. Calcitriol Concentration in the Early Phase of Myocardial Infarction and Its Relation to Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction. Metabolites. 2024;14. doi:10.3390/metabo14120686
  4. Cruijsen E, van Pijkeren CS, Evers I, Visseren FLJ, Geleijnse JM. Vitamin D status, physical activity and long-term mortality risk after myocardial infarction: a prospective analysis in the Alpha Omega Cohort. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2024. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwae359
  5. Chin WC, Huang YS, Wu LS, Lee KT, Ho CT, et al. The Prognosis of Patients with Myocardial Infarction after Light Therapy: A Preliminary Study. Biomed J. 2024. doi:10.1016/j.bj.2024.100783
  6. Kocaman N. Evaluating the therapeutic effect of vitamin D and nerolidol on lung injury due to experimental myocardial infarction: The potential role of asprosin and spexin. Tissue Cell. 2024;89:102444. doi:10.1016/j.tice.2024.102444
  7. Gaggini M, Marchi F, Pylypiv N, Parlanti A, Storti S, et al. Vitamin D and Ceramide Metabolomic Profile in Acute Myocardial Infarction. Metabolites. 2024;14. doi:10.3390/metabo14040233
  8. Zhao S, Chen X, Wan Z, Geng T, Lu Q, et al. Associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms with risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease: a prospective study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2024;119:1397. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.04.001
  9. Yaman AE, Ceylan US. Effects of Vitamin D Levels on Long-Term Coronary Events in Patients with Proven Coronary Artery Disease: Six-Year Follow-Up. J Clin Med. 2023;12. doi:10.3390/jcm12216835
  10. Thompson B, Waterhouse M, English DR, McLeod DS, Armstrong BK, et al. Vitamin D supplementation and major cardiovascular events: D-Health randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2023;381:e075230. doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-075230
  11. Lin X, Chen X, Liu S, Deng Y, Wang Y, et al. Associations of Serum 25(OH)D With Risk of Recurrent Cardiovascular Events in Individuals With Coronary Heart Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108:e1712. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgad339
  12. Ogata S, Manson JE, Kang JH, Buring JE, Lee IM, et al. Marine n-3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Novel Analysis of the VITAL Trial Using Win Ratio and Hierarchical Composite Outcomes. Nutrients. 2023;15. doi:10.3390/nu15194235
  13. Bassuk SS, Manson JE. Marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and prevention of cardiovascular disease: update on the randomized trial evidence. Cardiovasc Res. 2023;119:1297. doi:10.1093/cvr/cvac172
  14. Uguz B, Oztas S, Zengin I, Topal D, Tiryakioglu SK, et al. Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and thrombus load in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022;26:7015. doi:10.26355/eurrev_202210_29885
  15. Yang S, Wang C, Ruan C, Chen M, Cao R, et al. Novel Insights into the Cardioprotective Effects of Calcitriol in Myocardial Infarction. Cells. 2022;11. doi:10.3390/cells11101676
  16. Şen Ö, Şen SB, Topuz AN, Topuz M. Vitamin D level predicts angiographic no-reflow phenomenon after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Biomark Med. 2021;15:1357. doi:10.2217/bmm-2020-0689
  17. Mehdipoor M, Damirchi A, Razavi Tousi SMT, Babaei P. Concurrent vitamin D supplementation and exercise training improve cardiac fibrosis via TGF-β/Smad signaling in myocardial infarction model of rats. J Physiol Biochem. 2021;77:75. doi:10.1007/s13105-020-00778-6
  18. Lee TL, Lee MH, Chen YC, Lee YC, Lai TC, et al. Vitamin D Attenuates Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Cardiac Injury by Reducing Mitochondrial Fission and Mitophagy. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:604700. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.604700
  19. Wei YX, Dong SM, Wang YY, Zhang P, Sun MY, et al. Autophagy participates in the protection role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in acute myocardial infarction via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Cell Biol Int. 2021;45:394. doi:10.1002/cbin.11495
  20. Akkuş O, Topuz M, Öz F, Harbalıoğlu H, Koca H, et al. Impact of 25(OH)D3 on spontaneous reperfusion and SYNTAX score in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2018;46:268. doi:10.5543/tkda.2018.49393
  21. Le TYL, Ogawa M, Kizana E, Gunton JE, Chong JJH. Vitamin D Improves Cardiac Function After Myocardial Infarction Through Modulation of Resident Cardiac Progenitor Cells. Heart Lung Circ. 2018;27:967. doi:10.1016/j.hlc.2018.01.006
  22. Şen Ö, Topuz M, Acele A, Akkuş O, Baykan AO, et al. The influence of plasma 25-(OH) vitamin D levels in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. Cardiol J. 2017;24:677. doi:10.5603/CJ.a2017.0066
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