Vitamin d and blood coagulation
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Vitamin D and Blood Coagulation: Mechanisms and Clinical Associations
Vitamin D Deficiency and Thrombosis Risk
Multiple studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of thrombotic events, such as venous thromboembolism and arterial thrombosis. This association is observed in both the general population and in specific conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and sepsis, where vitamin D deficiency is common and correlates with higher rates of clinically defined thrombotic events 1389.
Anticoagulant Effects of Vitamin D
Vitamin D appears to have anticoagulant properties. It can upregulate thrombomodulin, an anticoagulant glycoprotein, and downregulate tissue factor, a key initiator of the coagulation cascade. These effects help reduce the likelihood of clot formation. In vitro studies also show that vitamin D can directly inhibit tissue factor expression induced by prothrombotic antibodies, further supporting its role in reducing coagulation 138.
Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Coagulation Markers
Clinical studies in people with severe vitamin D deficiency show that high-dose vitamin D supplementation can reduce thrombin generation and alter fibrin clot structure, suggesting a shift toward a less prothrombotic state. However, not all studies find changes in standard coagulation or fibrinolysis markers after supplementation, especially in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism due to vitamin D deficiency or in obese orthopedic patients, where the effects on coagulation and endothelial function are less clear 256.
Vitamin D, Inflammation, and Endothelial Function
Vitamin D also has immunomodulatory effects, altering the secretion of inflammatory cytokines that can promote a procoagulant environment. Its protective effects on endothelial cells may help explain some of its benefits in preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases and reducing the risk of coagulopathy in conditions like COVID-19 and sepsis 1379.
Special Populations: Sepsis and Autoimmune Disease
In animal models of sepsis, vitamin D supplementation improves blood coagulation parameters and helps maintain normal platelet counts in certain models, suggesting a protective effect against sepsis-induced coagulation disturbances. In APS, vitamin D deficiency is common and associated with increased thrombosis, and supplementation may help inhibit prothrombotic pathways 489.
Conclusion
Vitamin D plays a significant role in regulating blood coagulation through direct anticoagulant effects, modulation of inflammatory pathways, and protection of endothelial function. Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with a higher risk of thrombosis, and supplementation may help reverse some prothrombotic changes, especially in those with severe deficiency. However, the effects can vary depending on the underlying health condition and population studied. Further research, especially randomized controlled trials, is needed to clarify the therapeutic potential of vitamin D in preventing or treating coagulation disorders.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic