November 2008
Why D should make your A-list
Vitamin D plays a key role in bone health, muscles, the central nervous system, immune system function, cell growth, reproduction,
and reducing inflammation. Recent research has associated high intakes or blood levels of D with:
- A longer life. A June 2008 study of more than 3,000 heart patients published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that those with
the highest blood levels of D were the least likely to die of any cause during the nearly eight years of follow-up. Another
study in August involving more than 13,000 men and women found that people with the lowest blood levels of D were 26 percent
more likely to die during the six to 12 years of follow-up than those with the highest levels.
- Strong bones. A review of 167 studies concluded that people who got at least 700 IU of vitamin D daily and took calcium supplements had
denser bones and had fewer falls and fractures than people who didn’t.
- Protection against cancer. The list includes cancer of the breast, pancreas, prostate, and especially the colon.
- A reduced risk of many other ailments. D helps to protect you against heart attack, both types of diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. It’s also associated with a
reduced risk of depression in older people and greater immunity against respiratory and skin-wound infections.
- Higher birth weights.
