Scientists Probe Vitamin D Deficiency and Risk of Death

A novel study has linked vitamin D deficiency with a risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular illnesses, in the most recent indicator of the important role the vitamin plays in health.

Cardiovascular disease and vitamin D deficiency

Scientists studied vitamin D levels in over three thousand patients with an average age of sixty, and tracked their overall health for over seven years. Nearly twofold as many of the patients with shortcomings of this important nutrient died pending the duration of the study, according to results informed by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Additional evidence from a Harvard University study backs up this evidence by showing a correlation between heart attacks and low levels of this nutrient in the blood.

Previously released studies confirm that there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Additionally, there has been evidence that supports the premise that an insufficient level of this nutrient is even associated with many different types of cancer.

Vitamin D in our Diet

Extremely few foods in reality even contain this important nutrient. The best sources are fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel as well as fish liver oils. Additionally, this organic compound can be found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. And even some mushrooms provide the nutrition in small amounts. The highest volume of this organic compound can be found in fortified foods, for example, nearly all of the U.S. milk harvest is fortified with the nutrition. One cup of fortified milk has nearly twenty-five percent of the recommended levels of the daily requirement of this nutrient.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Insufficiencies

Shortcomings of this important nutrient may be characterized by weak or brittle bones, muscle aches, lethargic energy and fatigue, and even a lower immunity. Mental characteristics include depression, mood swings, and sleep apnea. Deficiencies in women can result in intestinal problems such as Crohn's disease because they can not absorb or convert the nutrient adequately.

What is Vitamin D?

This required nutrient is indeed a hormone, the building block of a omnipotent steroid hormone in the body. It has been well-known for numerous years that this organic compound is paramount to the health of bones and teeth, but our deeper cognizance into D's real role in our health is altogether new.

This organic compound works in agreement with other nutrients and hormones in the body to sustain healthy bone revival, the process of mineralization and demineralization that prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Common Misinterpretations

Fibromyalgia is a widespread condition predisposed by long-term, body-wide pain and sheer points in joints, muscles, and tendons. Fatigue, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, and morning stiffness have also been linked to Fibromyalgia. There are cases in which an insufficient level of vitamin D was actually misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia.

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?

The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) in the U.S. is 5 micrograms daily increasing to 15 micrograms per day by age 70. The highest limit on recommendations are 50 micrograms per day.

Supplements

Supplements are often misunderstood and many people assume that they can be used in lieu of a vitamin source obtained through nutrition. Trevor Marshall, Ph.D., a professor at Australia's Murdoch University School of Biological Medicine and Biotechnology, spells out the case that increased intake of this nutrient can affect nutrition and bone health, but the use of supplements can be detrimental because they suppress the immune system so that the body cannot contend with disease and infection efficiently.

Vitamin D affects the production of beyond one thousand genes and there is not a simplistic cause and effect between supplements and disease. Sweeping studies are just not demonstrating that supplementary vitamin D alone in the diet can make people healthier.

Get a Professional Opinion

Because of the increased risk of death due to vitamin D deficiency, it is highly recommended that if you or a loved one suspects inefficient levels of this nutrient, a consultation with a professional health care provider be procured. There are many health care agencies that provide free health care for those without insurance. Contact local health agencies for more details.

For further reading: