Vitamin D May Equal Longer Life

Since my last article on the subject of vitamin D, there is even more evidence suggesting that maintaining good levels of vitamin D in your system is not only good for you, but is strongly correlated to living longer. Researchers at John Hopkins found that having vitamin D blood levels of 17.8 nanograms or lower resulted in a 26% higher chance of death from all causes (Melamed, Michal L., 2008). A 26% higher chance of dying is a pretty sizable risk and to me certainly merits taking action.

Why Else is Vitamin D Needed?

Vitamin D promotes strong healthy bones and helps regulate calcium use in the body. A search of the Newswise archives turns up a number of earlier studies that have found links with low levels of vitamin D and some forms of cancer. Chronic pain has also been shown to be associated with low levels of vitamin D (Hooten, W. Michael, 2007). In teens, a study (Burns, Jane, 2006.) has shown poor lung function in those with the lowest levels of vitamin D in their diets.

Recommended Amounts of Vitamin D

The John Hopkins study showed that 41 percent of men and 53 percent of women don't get enough vitamin D. A single supplement of 200-400 IU of vitamin D per day is enough to keep you within the healthy range according to this research, although up to 700 IU per day is recommended for those over age 60. Other researchers, like Dr. Louise Parker of Dalhousie University, prefer a dose of 1000 IU in keeping with the recommendations of the Canadian Cancer Society. "On the average, 1,000 units a day is safe and is probably effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer, and maybe other cancers as well," she says.

Sources of Vitamin D

However, vitamin pills are not the only source of vitamin D. Oily fish such as sardines and mackerel are good sources of vitamin D and many dairy producers offer vitamin D fortified milk. Liver and egg yolks are also great sources of vitamin D. Perhaps the easiest way to make sure we get enough vitamin D to avoid elevated risks of death, at least during the summer months, is to make sure we spend about 15 minutes day in the outdoor sun. Sunlight on our skin stimulates vitamin D production, but be aware that during the winter months in northern latitudes, the sun is too weak to be of much use. This may be a contributing factor to seasonal depression as well.