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BUSPH study links rheumatoid arthritis to vitamin D deficiency

A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women. The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, suggests that higher latitudes may lead to lower levels of vitamin D due to reduced sunligh...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 7, 2010

Vitamin D crucial to activating immune defenses

Scientists have discovered that Vitamin D is essential for activating killer cells in the immune system. Without sufficient vitamin D, T cells cannot detect and fight off serious infections. The researchers found that T cells rely on vitamin D to activate and that a lack of vitamin D can lead to immune suppression.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 7, 2010

Low levels of vitamin D linked to muscle fat, decreased strength in young people

A recent study by Dr. Richard Kremer found that nearly 60% of healthy young women had insufficient vitamin D levels, leading to increased body fat and decreased muscle strength. The research highlights the importance of vitamin D in maintaining overall health and suggests a potential link between low vitamin D levels and various diseases.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 5, 2010

Vitamin D supplements could fight Crohn's disease

A new study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry found that Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to Crohn's disease. The researchers discovered that Vitamin D acts directly on genes involved in fighting intestinal bacteria and immune responses. Siblings of patients with Crohn's disease may benefit from ensuring they are vitamin ...

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2010

Low vitamin D levels explains most ESRD risk in African-Americans

A nationwide study of 13,000 Americans found that nearly 60% of the elevated risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in African Americans may be attributed to low vitamin D levels. Researchers also discovered that vitamin D deficiency contributes significantly to the increased risk of ESRD among African Americans compared to whites.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 29, 2009

Insufficient levels of vitamin D puts elderly at increased risk of dying from heart disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that older adults with insufficient vitamin D levels are more likely to die from heart disease. The research analyzed data from over 3,400 participants and found that those with low vitamin D levels were three times more likely to die from heart disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 21, 2009

Research says older people need more sun

Research shows a high correlation between low vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome in older adults, who are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of having metabolic syndrome and related metabolic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 11, 2009

Low vitamin D causes problems for acutely ill patients

A study of ICU patients found that 45% were deficient in vitamin D, with lower levels associated with greater disease severity. Researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to disease complications and suggest that raising vitamin D levels may be beneficial for critically ill patients.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 30, 2009

Vitamin D levels linked to asthma severity

Research suggests a link between vitamin D insufficiency and increased asthma severity in children, including hospitalizations, airway reactivity, and use of inhaled steroids. Vitamin D levels were inversely linked to several indicators of allergy and asthma severity.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 23, 2009

Study: Lizards bask for more than warmth

Researchers found that chameleons alter their sunbathing behavior in response to their dietary vitamin D intake, regulating UV exposure to maintain optimal levels. The study showed remarkable accuracy in the chameleons' ability to gauge and adjust their UV exposure based on internal vitamin D levels.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateApr 20, 2009