Vital Vitamin

In that a number of previous studies suggest a wide range of beneficial health effects of Vitamin D, data from a 13-year long prospective population  study involving 14,641 adult residents of the United Kingdom help to elucidate the optimal blood levels of the vitamin. KT Khaw, from University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), and colleagues measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations [which comprised 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2]) of the study subjects, and categorized each into 5 groups accordingly.  Data revealed that for every 2- nmol/L increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the risks of cardiovascular disease decreased by 4%, respiratory disease by 11%, and fractures by 11%.  Lowest mortality rates were observed in individuals with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations above 90 nmol/L.  The study authors submit that: “Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations predict subsequent lower 13-y total mortality and incident cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and fractures.”