While previous studies have found that vitamin D may actually be bad for us–a previous study found that it increases the risk of lung cancer–new research from the University of California challenges this claim.
Their latest study, now published in the American Journal of Public Health, reports that people with low vitamin D levels are twice as likely to die prematurely–although the reasons why could not be determined.
“This study should give the medical community and public substantial reassurance that vitamin D is safe when used in appropriate doses up to 4,000 IU per day,” says study co-author Heather Hofflich, a professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. “Patients should have their 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood levels checked annually and consult their doctor before adjusting their vitamin D intake.”
In this study, Hofflich investigated how vitamin D levels affected mortality rates among adults worldwide–something that hadn’t been explored before. She, along with other University of California researchers, reviewed 32 studies which analyzed these mortality rates and tracked vitamin D levels in American adults. In total, the studies reviewed data of over 560,000 people from 14 countries, whose average age was 55.
Specifically, these studies tracked their vitamin D intake by measuring the amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in their bloodstream–the most common form of vitamin D found in human blood.
After her assessment, Hofflich then compared it to the mortality rates recorded in these studies, and found a strong correlation. For those whose vitamin D levels were low–in this case, around 30 ng/ml–their risk of dying prematurely doubled. On the other hand, those who met or exceeded national vitamin D guidelines, which recommends at least 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily, were the least likely to die prematurely.
These findings directly conflict with previous studies, which found that vitamin D had no benefits at all–or worse yet, could be harmful.
“Three years ago, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that having a too-low blood level of vitamin D was hazardous,” says Cedric Garland, a professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of California San Diego. “This study supports that conclusion, but goes one step further. This new finding is based on the association of low vitamin D with risk of premature death from all causes, not just bone diseases.”
Unfortunately, researchers were unable to prove why vitamin D decreased mortality rates.
What You Should Do
While researchers aren’t sure why vitamin D helps people avoid dying prematurely, it does show that not getting enough vitamin D–something most Americans do–could be deadly. To minimize your risk of dying early, make sure your diet is rich in maintain D, something you can easily obtain from eating nutrient-fortified foods and basking in the sun.
Readers: How do you make sure your diet has enough vitamin D?
Sources:
Study: Vitamin D Deficiency Doubles Mortality Risk – MedicalNewsToday.com
Vitamin D Deficiency Shown to Double Risk of Dying Prematurely – EurekAlert.org
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