Low Vitamin D Connected to Improved Longevity

This news is quite the opposite of what we have often heard about the link between deficient vitamin D levels and the risk of premature death. Recent research which analyzed the data of 380 family members who had lived a ripe age found that there is a link between low levels of vitamin D and longevity.

Sunlight is a good source of vitamin D. It is also obtained from food and supplements. Genetic factors also play a role in influencing blood levels in different individuals.

The scientists studied the influence of genetic code alterations known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three genes which have a link with vitamin D levels.

"We found the offspring of nonagenarians who had at least one nonagenarian sibling had lower levels of vitamin D than controls, independent of possible confounding factors and SNPs associated with vitamin D levels," researchers said.

"In the case of mortality, low serum vitamin D levels might be a marker of frailty, because ill patients are expected to spend less time outdoors and may have inadequate nutrition." 

  

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Source-Medindia