Vitamin D Increase Could Significantly Reduce Worldwide Mortality Rates

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Thursday, 13 October 2011 16:43

Everywhere, October 2011— Researchers in Europe recently estimated that increasing serum vitamin D levels could slash world-wide mortality rates by as much as 20%. Previous research has repeatedly indicated that low serum vitamin D levels may increase the risk of mortality from a number of diseases. In a new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers estimated the reduction in mortality rates for six regions of the world under the assumption that serum vitamin D levels were doubled, from 21.6 nanograms per milliliter to 44 ng/ml. The researchers used scientific literature to interpret the association between sun exposure and vitamin D levels and disease risk related to cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and respiratory infections.  In addition to these diseases, other respiratory diseases, tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus account for more than half of global mortality rates.  Other vitamin D-sensitive diseases and conditions that account for 2 to 3% of global mortality rates are Alzheimer's disease, falls, meningitis, Parkinson's disease, maternal sepsis, maternal hypertension (pre-eclampsia) and multiple sclerosis. Since it is inexpensive and there are very few adverse effects associated with oral intake of vitamin D or frequent moderate UVB sun exposure, increasing serum vitamin D levels may be the most cost-effective and safe way to reduce global mortality rates. SOURCE: Business Wire   < Prev   Next >