Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” can reduce the risk of death from any cause by as much as 57 percent. This insight comes from British medical expert Sarah Brewer. According to extensive research conducted in the U.S. and Europe, consuming adequate amounts of this vitamin could be key to longevity.
What Did Researchers Discover?
We primarily obtain this magical vitamin from sunlight, which is why it’s commonly called the “sunshine” vitamin.
As Sarah Brewer explained, an international team of scientists conducted a meta-analysis of eight intriguing studies, all focused on the relationship between vitamin D intake and mortality rates.
This global research involved over 26,000 adult volunteers aged 50 and older. The authors considered various factors such as age, gender, blood type, body mass index, education, smoking habits, and physical activity. They also took into account underlying health conditions linked to mortality, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Vitamin D levels vary depending on the country, gender, and season. Nevertheless, as reported by the Daily Express, the results of the meta-analysis were consistent across all participants. Specifically, individuals with the highest levels of vitamin D had a 57 percent lower likelihood of dying from any medical cause compared to those with insufficient levels.
The research team concluded that maintaining a certain level of vitamin D is essential for longevity. Experts estimate that older adults should receive between 25-50 micrograms of this “sunshine” vitamin daily.
To ensure adequate vitamin D levels, it’s recommended to spend at least 20-30 minutes outdoors during daylight hours. This advice is particularly relevant in winter. Additionally, it’s important to consume foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish high in Omega-3 acids (like salmon, trout, mackerel, and tuna), beef liver, eggs (especially the yolks), cheese, butter, milk, and dairy products.
What Other Benefits Does This Vitamin Offer?
Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also indicates that vitamin D helps protect the brain from fatigue.
To establish this link, scientists analyzed over 295,000 genetic profiles from the UK Biobank. They found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with a reduction in brain volume. The researchers argue that correcting vitamin D deficiency could prevent 17 percent of dementia cases.
Moreover, scientists believe that insufficient vitamin D intake is linked to an increased risk of stroke.
Previous studies on the “sunshine” vitamin have shown that it is crucial for bone and dental health. Additionally, this vitamin plays a vital role in muscle strength.