According to a recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting, boosting vitamin D levels in the blood appears to help those deficient in the nutrient lower their risk of heart disease by about 30%. Though these findings are preliminary, many experts feel that it’s worth taking a closer look at the relationship between vitamin D and heart health.

Vitamin D is a nutrient that is synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight, which is the primary source for most people, however, vitamin D is also found in a limited number of foods, including fortified milk and salmon. People can also get a boost in vitamin D through taking a vitamin D supplement. Other studies have linked vitamin D to better immune system health, inflammation reduction, and the prevention of seasonal depression.

In terms of heart health, looking at vitamin D is relatively new, and other nutrients like folic acids and vitamins C and E have been shown to help prevent and treat heart disease. These findings, coupled with the success of the study, may encourage further research into the prevention and treatment of heart disease and other related conditions using nutrients like vitamin D.