People with Low Vitamin D Live Shorter Lives

People who have low levels of vitamin D are more likely to have a shorter life span than people who do not, according to a new study.

Researchers at the Medical University of Graz (Austria) followed 3,258 patients with an average age of 62 for around eight years. The patients had all been referred for a coronary angiography between 1997 and 2000. The researchers analyzed the blood serum levels of two types of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) in samples taken at enrollment (baseline), compared to their levels at death due to cardiovascular and all causes.

The study results showed that 737 patients (22.6%) died, including 463 deaths from cardiovascular causes during a median follow up of 7.7 years. Patients whose baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were below the mid-point of the group were at significantly higher risk of death from both cardiovascular and all causes. The effect remained the same when the researchers eliminated cardiovascular risk factors in patients with different levels of physical activity, other illnesses, or coronary artery disease. The figures for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D showed similar but slightly weaker effects. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D also correlated significantly with blood level indicators of inflammation such as C reactive protein (CRP), and oxidative damage to cells. The researchers cautiously suggest that while the study did not prove a causal link, together with evidence from other studies it is possible that vitamin D reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems. The study was published in the June 23, 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

"Based on the findings of this study, a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 20 nanograms per milliliter or higher may be advised for maintaining general health,” concluded lead author Harald Dobnig, M.D., of the department of internal medicine, and colleagues.


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