Low Vitamin D Linked to Higher Risk of Varicose Veins
Graded Preliminary — a look back at health records of over 500,000 people across five years; this kind of observational study cannot separate cause from effect.
- Design
- Retrospective cohort study
- Participants
- 515,302
- Duration
- 5 years
- Funding
- —
Adults over 40 with very low vitamin D developed varicose veins more often over five years than those with healthy levels.
Adults aged 40 and older with very low vitamin D levels developed varicose veins in their legs more often over the next five years. Their risk was 62 percent higher than in people with healthy levels. For severe forms with open sores or inflammation, the gap was even wider.
The researchers looked back at health records from 2010 to 2023, mostly from the United States. Everyone had had their blood vitamin D measured at least twice. The study compared 257,651 people with two very low readings to the same number with two healthy readings. The groups were statistically matched to be as alike as possible in other respects. Even mildly low levels came with a 56 percent higher risk. The link was stronger in people over 65. As a cross-check, the team also counted appendicitis and found no clear difference there.
The data show only that the two went together, not that low vitamin D causes varicose veins. Whether correcting a deficiency lowers the risk was not tested. The authors call for studies that follow people forward from the start.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
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