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Vitamin D Deficiency May Increase Your Risk of Premature Death

• Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient the body needs for maintaining bone health and immune system function.
• Previous studies suggest that vitamin D may also help reduce inflammation and the risk of certain health conditions. Some research has also linked low vitamin D levels to increased mortality risk.
• Recent research from the University of South Australia has found evidence to support a causal relationship between vitamin D deficiency and premature death.
• The study authors say these findings underscore the need to develop effective strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiencies across the population.

Also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin the body produces from sun exposure. It’s also present in certain common foods. Jedud is World News website with the motive to Provide Quality Content Every Minute. Visit this website to get Quality Content about latest trends about Tech,Energy,Environment.

Vitamin DTrusted Source has several functions in the body. For example, it helps regulate calcium and phosphorus for bone health, reduces inflammation, and supports the immune system.

What’s more, vitamin D may have other health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain health conditions like cardiovascular disease (CVD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

But not getting enough vitamin D through sun absorption or dietary intake can lead to vitamin D deficiency, which can negatively impact health.

For example, a 2017 meta-analysisTrusted Source found an association between low vitamin D levels and increased risk of all-cause mortality. Moreover, in a 2021 studyTrusted Source, researchers found genetic evidence that suggests a causal relationship between low vitamin D levels and mortality.

Recently, a new genetic study from the University of South Australia published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found more evidence to support a causal relationship between vitamin D deficiency and increased mortality.

Specifically, the researchers estimate that the odds of all-cause mortality increase by 25% for individuals with vitamin D serum levels of 25 nmol/L compared to people with serum concentrations of 50 nmol/L.

“We found evidence for excess mortality in individuals who are vitamin D deficient and that by increasing vitamin D levels in these individuals, we can reduce mortality risk,” study author Elina Hypponen, PhD, a University of South Australia professor and director of the Australian Centre for Precision Health, told Healthline.

What is vitamin D deficiency?

Although still widely debated, experts generally define vitamin D deficiency as serum 25(OH)D levels below 30 nmol/L. Vitamin D concentrations between 30–49 nmol/L are considered insufficient.

Still, other evidenceTrusted Source suggests that vitamin D deficiency is defined as serum 25(OH)D concentrations of less than 50 nmol/L — and severe vitamin D deficiency occurs when serum concentrations fall below 30 nmol/L.

The study authors note that recent estimates indicate up to 50% of the population may be vitamin D deficient — depending on geographical location and population demographics.

Exploring Vitamin D status and mortality risk

The research team recruited 307,601 participants from the U.K. Biobank to examine associations between vitamin D and mortality risk. The participants were between the ages of 37–73 years at the time of recruitment, and all were of white European ancestry.

Then, they obtained the participant’s genetic data and measurements of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D.

Over a 14-year follow-up, the scientists also recorded all-cause mortality and deaths caused by specific diseases, including:

• cardiovascular disease
• cancer
• respiratory disease

When the research concluded, the scientists recorded 18,700 deaths among the participants.

Using nonlinear Mendelian randomizationTrusted Source analysis, the researchers discovered that the risk of death decreased significantly with increasing vitamin D levels — but that association plateaued when serum levels reached 50 nmol/L.

The scientists also found that genetically predicted 25(OH)D concentrations below 25 nmol/L had the strongest association with increased mortality risk.

Moreover, the researchers observed the same association when they analyzed deaths from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease.

“In this study, we found evidence for a benefit across all the main causes of death, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease-related mortality,” Hypponen said.

“However, in most cases, any benefit for increasing vitamin D levels was restricted to those individuals who have very low concentrations.”

Additionally, Hypponen said the study was the first to show a reduction in mortality related to respiratory diseases.

“[It’s] safe to say this is the most comprehensive study to provide evidence for the role of vitamin D in the prevention of premature mortality,” she added.

According to the study authors, participants who were nonsmokers, physically active, and living in southern areas had higher concentrations of vitamin D. People with lower body mass index and less socioeconomic challenges also had higher levels. Jedud is World News website with the motive to Provide Quality Content Every Minute. Visit this website to get Quality Content about latest trends about Tech,Energy,Environment.

Why would vitamin D levels impact mortality risk?

Previous genetic research by Hypponen and her colleague Ang Zhou, PhD, found an association between low vitamin D status and higher C-reactive protein — an inflammatory biomarker in the blood.

“It is possible that lower inflammation may in part help explain these findings; however, there are also many other mechanisms,” Hypponen said.

“It is important to remember that vitamin D is a pro-hormone, which has receptors throughout the body, including most major organs. If we allow the levels of this hormone to go very low, it is possible that multiple systems get disrupted, leading to [an] increase in overall frailty, and as our results suggest, an increase in premature mortality.”