Posted Feb 23, 2010
High levels of Vitamin D in older people can reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to researchers at the University of Warwick.
In a review of 28 studies of nearly 100,000 participants, they discovered a significant association between high levels of Vitamin D and a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (33 per cent compared to low levels of Vitamin D) and type 2 diabetes (55 per cent reduction).
Dr Oscar Franco, assistant professor in public health at Warwick Medical School, says: ‘We found that high levels of Vitamin D among middle-aged and elderly populations are associated with a substantial decrease in cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Targeting Vitamin D deficiency in adult populations could potentially slow the current epidemics of cardiometabolic disorders.’ Vitamin D is naturally present in some foods and also produced when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger Vitamin D synthesis. Fish such as salmon and tuna are good sources, and it is also available as a dietary supplement.
Date: Feb 21, 2010