Vitamin D for Longevity

Many older women, particularly those in institutionalized care, are vitamin D deficient and at increased risk of falls and fractures.  Goran Bjelakovic, from the University of Nis (Serbia), and colleagues completed a meta-analysis of 50 randomized trials that collectively involved 94,148 participants, with a mean age of 74 years.  The team’s analysis suggested that vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation reduces mortality by about 6%, equating to saving one life for every 200 people given vitamin D3 for two years. The researchers conclude that: “Vitamin D3 seems to decrease mortality in predominantly elderly women who are mainly in institutions and dependent care.”