Serum 25-hydroxycalciferol in myocardial infarction.

Oral intake of calciferol (vitamin D) was higher in patients with myocardial infarction than in controls. Having established an assay for 25-hydroxycalciferol (25-OH-D), the principal circulating form of the vitamin, we measured this compound in control subjects and patients with myocardial infarction. In controls, 25-OH-D varied with the season: levels were high in summer and low in winter. Furthermore, levels were low in control subjects above 60 years of age. In patients with myocardial infarction, normal and low values for 25-OH-D were found. It is concluded that in this region patients with myocardial infarction do not consume greater amounts of vitamin D.