HEALTH ALERT: Low Vitamin D Increases Premature Death Risk

Low Vitamin D Increases Premature Death Risk

Rachel Adams

June 12, 2014

New research shows those with lower blood levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to die prematurely as people with higher blood levels of vitamin D.

The finding, published in the American Journal of Public Health, was based on a systematic review of 32 previous studies that included analyses of vitamin D, blood levels and human mortality rates. The specific variant of vitamin D assessed was 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the primary form found in blood.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers vitamin D a “shortfall" nutrient in the American diet, meaning a large number of the population is lacking vitamin D. Solar UVB radiation is the main source of vitamin D, although fear of skin cancer due to overexposure to solar radiation has reduced sun-exposure rates and contributes to low vitamin D. (For more on this, visit this FoodTech Toolbox Slide Show).

Vitamin D can be obtained through certain food sources, although limited. Sources of vitamin D include milk, eggs, mushrooms and certain types of fish, like tuna.

“Three years ago, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that having a too-low blood level of vitamin D was hazardous," said Cedric Garland, Dr.P.H., professor in the department of family and preventive medicine, UC San Diego, and lead author of the study. “This study supports that conclusion, but goes one step further. The 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) blood level cutoff assumed from the IOM report was based solely on the association of low vitamin D with risk of bone disease. This new finding is based on the association of low vitamin D with risk of premature death from all causes, not just bone diseases. "

Garland said the blood level amount of vitamin D associated with about half of the death rate was 30 ng/ml. He noted that two-thirds of the U.S. population has an estimated blood vitamin D level below 30 ng/ml.

“This study should give the medical community and public substantial reassurance that vitamin D is safe when used in appropriate doses up to 4,000 International Units (IU) per day," said Heather Hofflich, D.O., professor in the UC San Diego School of Medicine’s department of medicine.

One of the biggest questions being asked now is whether vitamin D supplementation can treat diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency. Many ongoing studies are testing this hypothesis in cancer, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

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