Shortened life expectancy with vitamin D deficiency? – healing practice

Vitamin D deficiency increases early risk of death

A lack of Vitamin D according to a recent study, the risk of premature death to increase significantly. A good supply of vitamin D is therefore also important for Life expectancy really important.

A research team from University of South Australia has based on the data from the UK Biobank possible links between low vitamin D status and the risk of premature death. The study results were published in the journal “Annals of Internal Medicine” released.

Vitamin D important for our health

Vitamin D has far-reaching effects on our health and a Vitamin D deficiency can, among other things heart diseases, depressions and myself cancers play a role. Also a causal relationship between vitamin D deficiency and Alzheimer’s disease has already been proven.

Although with sufficient contact of our skin with the sunlight enough vitamin D is formed in the body, but the sun exposure of many people is sufficient, especially in the autumn and winter months in this country Not off to avoid a shortage.

The researchers have now analyzed the consequences of vitamin D deficiency on the risk of premature death using the data from 307,601 unrelated participants examined by the UK Biobank. Participants ranged in age from 37 to 73 years at baseline and all measurements ranged from 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D precursor) and genetic data.

In addition, the all-cause mortality and the cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases) through June 2020, the team reports. In the 14 years of follow-up 18,700 deaths occurred.

Risk of death decreased with good vitamin D supply

Further analysis of the data showed that the risk of death fell sharply with increasing concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (up to the guide value of 50 nmol/L).

“The probability of all-cause mortality in the genetic analysis was increased by 25 percent for participants with a measured 25-(OH)D concentration of 25 nmol/L compared to 50 nmol/L”reports the team.

According to the researchers, a corresponding connection was also found in the individual analyzes of mortality from cancer, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases.

It should be mentioned as a limitation that the study population consisted exclusively of white Europeans, so that the statements cannot necessarily be transferred to other population groups. But the study clearly speaks for one causal relationship in between Vitamin D deficiency and early risk of death.

Strategies against vitamin D deficiency sought

According to the experts, further research is now required to identify strategies that good supply of vitamin D and reduce the risk of premature death associated with low vitamin D levels.

One approach here could be the fortification of foods with vitamin D, as is already practiced in some countries. That’s how it is German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) already calculated that the Vitamin D fortification of foods can significantly reduce cancer-related deaths.

However, the experts at the DKFZ also point out that adequate care is also provided by sun exposure is reachable. They recommend doing this two to three times a week approximately twelve minutes Staying outdoors in the sunshine. Face, hands and, if possible, parts of the arms and legs should be uncovered and without sun protection. (fp)