According to research reported at the American Heart Association's Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Annual Conference 2008, low levels of vitamin D may be a factor in peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Studies conducted by the American Heart Association indicate that low levels of vitamin D may be associated with an increased risk for PAD, which occurs when the arteries in a person's legs narrow or become clogged with fat. The association estimates that 8 million Americans are affected by PAD.

Researchers are only just beginning to study the relationship between vitamin D and PAD, but the lead author of the study, Michal Melamed, M.D., M.H.S., said that adults with the lowest levels of vitamin D had a "64 percent higher prevalence of PAD compared to those with the highest vitamin D levels."

Further studies are necessary to determine if vitamin D has protective qualities or if it is merely indicative of healthier diets and lifestyles in the adults studied.

"Other vitamins have been thought to help prevent cardiovascular disease, such as vitamin E, which did not pan out after being tested in a randomized clinical trial," Melamed said. "Therefore, we would not recommend people start taking vitamin D supplements without talking to their doctors.

"However, we recommend eating a balanced diet. People obtain vitamin D either through exposure to the sun or from foods..."

Some of the most common food sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, salmon, cod liver oil and sardines. By maintaining a balanced diet that limits calories, trans fat, saturated fat, sodium and dietary cholesterol, you may be more likely to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Visit the American Heart Association for more information.