Scientists have identified low levels of vitamin D in the blood as a possible factor in future serious illnesses in men. This was announced in a press release on EurekAlert !.
The study involved 1970 men aged 40-79 years. The experts compared vitamin D metabolite levels with current health indicators based on age, body mass index, smoking status, and health scores. It turned out that the level of metabolites is associated with the risk of premature death, however, only free 25-hydroxyvitamin D can with a high probability predict future health problems.
The findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency negatively affects overall health and may predict a higher risk of death, the researchers said. However, causal relationships and their underlying mechanisms remain uncertain.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in Europe, especially among the elderly. This has been linked to a higher risk of developing many diseases associated with aging, such as heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
