Vitamin D has long been known to build strong bones, but a recent British study has found that middle-aged and elderly people with high levels of vitamin D reduce their risk of developing heart disease or diabetes by 43 percent.
There were 99,795 participants included men and women from a variety of ethnic groups in this latest study. The participants with the highest levels of vitamin D lowered their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 33 percent, their risk of Type 2 diabetes by 55 percent, and their chances of metabolic syndrome by 51 percent when compared to those with low levels of the vitamin.
Researchers found that high levels of vitamin D among middle-age and elderly populations are associated with a substantial decrease in cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Targeting vitamin D deficiency in adult populations could potentially slow the current epidemics of cardiometabolic disorders.
Vitamin D is also associated with a number of additional health benefits, including a reduced risk of developing several types of cancer. Vitamin D can be obtained from exposure to sunlight, vitamin supplements, and foods such as salmon and tuna. How much should I get?The National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that adults under the age of 50 get 200 IU of vitamin D each day. Adults 50-70 should get 400 IU daily and adults ages 71 and above should have an intake of 600 IU each day.
