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Low Vitamin D Linked to Early Death

Those lacking 'sunshine vitamin' likely to die earlier of myriad causes

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 24, 2008 6:13 AM CDT
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(Newser) – People with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to die earlier from a variety of causes than people with normal levels of the so-called "Sunshine Vitamin," according to a new study. The study is the latest to underscore the health benefits of vitamin D—and points to nearly twice the risk of early death from any cause, as well as from heart-related problems.

"This is the first association study that shows vitamin D affects mortality regardless of the primary reason for death," said the lead researcher. "These results should prompt us to perform vitamin D measurements on a more frequent basis, especially in populations at risk," such as the elderly.

Vitamin D comes primarily from sunshine. New research says low levels of the vitamin is linked to death from a variety of causes.
Vitamin D comes primarily from sunshine. New research says low levels of the vitamin is linked to death from a variety of causes.   (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
Milk on the shelves at a supermarket in Miami. New research show low levels of Vitamin D are linked to death from a variety of causes.
Milk on the shelves at a supermarket in Miami. New research show low levels of Vitamin D are linked to death from a variety of causes.   (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Vitamin D comes primarily from sunshine. New research says low levels of the vitamin is linked to death from a variety of causes.
Vitamin D comes primarily from sunshine. New research says low levels of the vitamin is linked to death from a variety of causes.   (AP Photo/Salina Journal, Tom Dorsey)
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Dying linked to low vitamin D
WebMD

How much sun is enough vitamin D?
US News & World Report

Low vitamin D raises death risks
Forbes

 
cancer • health • milk • colon cancer • mortality • osteoporosis • vitamin D • Sunshine vitamin • rickets • rectal cancer • healthy living

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