Gloomy Winters May Cause Heart Problems

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, The Glasgow Herald said Thursday.

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.