Recent Updates and Advances in the Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Risk of Thrombotic Disease

Vitamin D (VD) is a vital lipophilic secosteroid hormone known for its essential role in maintaining skeletal health and regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism. Recent evidence has begun to illuminate its significance beyond bone health, particularly in relation to thrombosis-a condition characterized by blood clot formation within the vascular system that can lead to serious cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. VD deficiency, defined as a plasma 25-hydroxyVD level below 25 nmol/L, affects a substantial portion of the global population, with prevalence rates ranging from 8% to 18%. This study systematically explores the relationships between VD levels and the risk of thrombosis, investigating the underlying mechanisms including VD's anticoagulant properties, influence on inflammatory pathways, and interactions with endothelial cells. Epidemiological data suggest that low serum levels of VD correlate with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), although the reported findings remain inconsistent. Mechanisms that potentially link VD to thrombotic risk include modulation of thrombomodulin and tissue factor expression, as well as enhancement of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Given the prevalence of VD insufficiency, particularly among populations with limited exposure to sunlight, this research highlights the urgent need for strategies to increase VD levels through dietary modifications and supplementation in order to prevent thrombotic events.