New research from the Emory/Georgia Tech Predictive Health Institute suggests that a lack of vitamin D, even in generally healthy people, is linked with stiffer arteries and an inability of blood vessels to relax. The finding adds to evidence showing that insufficient vitamin D leads to impaired vascular health, contributing to high blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The body naturally manufactures vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. Foods like vitamin-D-fortified milk or cereals and oily fish also are good dietary sources to help provide sufficient amounts of this essential nutrient.