Scottish researchers say the country’s gloomy winters may be contribute to a high rate of heart disease.
Dundee University scientists found that volunteers who took a dose of vitamin D during the winter had better blood vessel function.
Vitamin D is naturally produced by skin in response to sunlight.
Researcher Allan Struthers of the university’s medical school told the British Cardiovascular Society vitamin D deficiency during the winter may cause serious health problems.
“The study suggests, really for the first time ever, that vitamin D has a beneficial effect on the blood vessel,” he said.