Who knew that decreasing the risk of mortality (or simply said the odds of dying!) could be so simple, safe and inexpensive? Well, a group of researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine recently showed just that.
A research paper published in the June issue of the American Journal of Public Health reviewed 32 previous studies that investigated Vitamin D, blood levels and mortality rates. These studies were performed over nearly 45 years, in 13 countries with nearly 600,000 people included in the studies overall. In our blood, the primary form of Vitamin D to be found is called 25-hydroxyvitamin D and this is actually what was being studied. What was discovered is nothing short of remarkable…people who had a blood level of less than 20ng/ml were twice as likely to die from all causes versus people who had higher levels of Vitamin D in their blood stream.
Let’s state that another way: If your blood level of Vitamin D is 30ng/ml or greater, you’re half as likely to die! That becomes even more astounding when nearly 80% of the American public has levels under 30ng/ml!
Nearly three years ago, a group of doctors and researchers known as the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that having too low a level of Vitamin D was hazardous. Their report indicated that 20ng/ml was normal and less than that was abnormal and creates health problems…but this conclusion was solely addressing low Vitamin D and the risk of bone disease. This new study shows us the association of Vitamin D and the risk of premature death from all causes, not just bone diseases.
The research from the University of California San Diego also revealed that higher levels of Vitamin D supplementation are exceedingly safe. If doses above 4-5000 IU per day are taken, it’s advisable to consult with a doctor familiar with optimizing blood levels of Vitamin D and its many health ramifications. What’s important to note is that our blood levels are in an optimal target zone and not specifically how much Vitamin D is required to get there!
Lastly, and due to such a profound benefit noted in this study, it’s recommended that everyone have blood study annually to be sure we’re in the optimal range and enjoy the amazing benefit revealed in this late breaking research! Don’t hesitate to ask our team to get scheduled…we perform the simple testing easily right here in the office!
