What Role Does Vitamin D Play In Your Health?

First Posted: Nov 19, 2014 05:04 PM EST
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Previous studies have shown that low vitamin D levels can be particularly dangerous when it comes to your health. For instance, some have linked lack of this vitamin to increased risk of cancer and certain chronic illnesses.

Now, recent findings published in the British Medical Journal reveal that low vitamin D levels can increase mortality risk, overall.

"We have conducted a major Danish study, in which we have examined the connection between genes associated with permanent low levels of vitamin D and mortality. We can see that genes associated with low vitamin D levels involve an increased mortality rate of 30 per cent and, more specifically, a 40 per cent higher risk of cancer-related deaths. An important factor in our study is that we have established a causal relationship," said Shoaib Afzal, Medical Doctor at Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, via Medical News Today

"Our study shows that low vitamin D levels do result in higher mortality rates, but the best way of increasing vitamin D levels in the population remains unclear. We still need to establish the amount of vitamin D to be added, as well as how and when it is most effective: Should we get vitamin D from the sun, through our diet or as vitamin supplements? And should it be added in the foetal stage via the mother, during childhood or when we have reached adulthood?" concluded Børge Nordestgaard, Clinical Professor at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and Chief Physician at Copenhagen University Hospital, via Counsel and Heal.

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