Association between vitamin D status and markers of vascular health in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)

Abstract

Low circulating 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels have been associated with increased blood pressure, impaired vascular health and an increased risk of cardiovascular events [1]. We have previously shown that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) have vascular dysfunction [2,3], which is related to increased levels of low grade inflammation and oxidative stress [2]. Vitamin D may affect the cardiovascular system through multiple pathways — via influence on the inflammatory process [1] and oxidative stress [4], by effects on cardiac myocyte hypertrophy, vascular stiffness and calcification, and by direct effects on endothelial function [1].