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A new study<\/a> found that low levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels, the main form of vitamin D circulating in the human body, are associated with significantly higher mortality and cardiovascular<\/a> events in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus<\/a> (SLE). Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in SLE and has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality in the general population. \u00a0<\/p>\n The study included data from 1,768 people with lupus \u00a0in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort. From the data, researchers examined three measures of vitamin D status: levels at the start of the study, the average level over the prior year, and the most recent measurement. Both a prospective analysis of events that occurred after the first vitamin D measurement, and a lifetime analysis that captured events before and after participants entered the cohort were conducted.\u00a0<\/p>\n Findings indicated that individuals with SLE whose vitamin D levels were below 20 ng\/mL at the start of the study were more than twice as likely to die and nearly three times as likely to experience a cardiovascular event compared to those with levels in the 30\u201339 ng\/mL range. Low vitamin D levels were also associated with increased risk of stroke and angina\/bypass procedures. Notably, vitamin D levels at the start of the study were more strongly linked to these risks than levels measured later. In this study, increasing vitamin D levels over time was not clearly associated with a lower risk of heart events.<\/p>\n More research is needed into the timing and long-term effects of vitamin D supplements on heart health in people with SLE. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment. Learn more about nutrition and Vitamin D for people with lupus<\/a>.<\/p>\n