More Information on Vitamin D

Need another reason to keep you vitamin D intake up? New research suggests that low levels of this essential nutrient can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers in Utah followed 27,000 men and women over the age of 50 who had no history of heart disease. After a year, they found those with the LOWEST levels of vitamin D were:

1. 77% more likely to die than those with adequate levels of vitamin D.
2. 45% more likely to develop coronary artery disease.
3. 78% more likely to develop a stroke.
4. Twice as likely to develop heart failure.

The study, from the Intermountain Medical Center, Was presented at the November 16, 2009, session of the American Heart Association's Scientific Conference.