Vitamin D: Wonder Drug or Wonder Hype?

75% of teens, adults found to be short of 'sunshine' nutrient

(NEWSER) - Three-quarters of adults and teens in the US aren't getting enough vitamin D, according to a new study. The report suggests increased use of sunscreen has contributed to a steep rise in deficiency of the vitamin, which is mainly absorbed through sunshine. African Americans are particularly at risk because the extra melatonin in black skin slows the creation of the vitamin, Scientific American reports. More»

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

(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. More»

You know caffeine doesn't help—but did you know vitamin D does?

(NEWSER) - We all know sleep is important (it can, after all, make us more attractive ): So how do we do it better? On Dumb Little Man , Kat Eden offers up 10 tips:

• Get more vitamin D: Go out in the sun, include it in your diet, or ask your doctor about a supplement. A lack of vitamin D can have numerous negative effects, including a shortage of melatonin—the hormone that helps you get better sleep.
• Cut back on the bad stuff: You should ideally stop ingesting caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants as early as 2pm, and stop eating and drinking alcohol at least two hours before hitting the sack.

Supplement sales have grown, but experts say they're not necessary

(NEWSER) - Doctors have been recommending vitamin D and calcium supplements for years. But it turns out, for most people, neither supplement is needed—and too much vitamin D could actually be harmful. A committee of experts determined that most people have enough vitamin D from their diets, sunshine, and other natural sources. Says one member and bone metabolism doctor, “The onus is on the people who propose extra calcium and vitamin D to show it is safe before they push it on people.” More»

Vitamin D affects 229 disease-linked genes

(NEWSER) - A lack of sunshine makes people more likely to contract diseases including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, and some cancers, according to scientists exploring the genetic link between disease and low levels of vitamin D. Genetic researchers found that the vitamin—which the body makes when the skin is exposed to sunlight—affects 229 genes related to autoimmune diseases, the Guardian reports. More»