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Vitamin D may not be the answer to feeling SAD

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found no clear association between depressive symptoms and vitamin D levels in blood. The researchers tested over 3,000 participants and recruited community residents aged 50-70 from China, discovering low levels of vitamin D may not be connected to depression.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateMar 17, 2009

1 in 7 US teens is vitamin D deficient

A new study finds that more than half of African-American teens are vitamin D deficient, with girls at higher risk and overweight teens nearly double their normal-weight counterparts. The researchers highlight the importance of educating the public on vitamin D's benefits and consider national fortification strategies.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 11, 2009

Vitamin D tied to muscle power in adolescent girls

A new study found a positive relationship between vitamin D levels and muscle power, force, velocity, and jump height in adolescent girls. The researchers measured serum vitamin D levels in 99 adolescent girls and used jumping mechanography to assess muscle power.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 3, 2009

BUSM researcher solves mystery of 9-month-old

A 9-month-old breast-fed infant was diagnosed with rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency after presenting with seizures and a bulging soft spot. The case study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the importance of considering nutritional deficiencies in infants, particularly those who are solely breast-fed.

SourceBoston University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 21, 2009

Seasonal variation in blood pressure

A French study of 8801 elderly participants found significant seasonal variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure according to outdoor temperature. The authors advise careful monitoring and antihypertensive treatment during extreme temperatures, particularly in the elderly, who are at higher risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 16, 2009

Vitamin D is the 'it' nutrient of the moment

A recent review article found that adequate vitamin D intake may prevent or delay diabetes onset and reduce complications for those diagnosed. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in insulin sensitivity and secretion, and deficiency is common among Americans with diabetes.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Diabetes Educator·DateJan 12, 2009

Joslin research finds nearly three-quarters of youths with diabetes insufficient in vitamin D

A study by researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that nearly three-quarters of youths with type 1 diabetes have insufficient levels of vitamin D, which may lead to bone fragility and increased fracture risk. The study recommends vitamin D supplementation to children with diabetes, especially those with inadequate sun exposure and...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 15, 2008

Lack of vitamin D causes weight gain and stunts growth in girls

A Canada-US study published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that insufficient vitamin D can cause higher body mass and shorter stature in girls during puberty. The researchers discovered a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased abdominal fat, but no link to bone strength.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 10, 2008

'Let the sunshine in' to protect your heart this winter

A new review article in Circulation highlights the link between vitamin D deficiency and heart disease, with rates of severe disease or death potentially 30-50% higher among sun-deprived individuals. Treatment options such as vitamin D supplements may help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateNov 17, 2008

Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation is not associated with a reduced breast cancer risk

A randomized trial of over 36,000 postmenopausal women found no association between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and reduced breast cancer risk. The findings challenge previous observational studies suggesting a potential link between vitamin D levels and breast cancer incidence.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 11, 2008

Could vitamin D save us from radiation?

Research suggests that vitamin D, specifically its active form calcitriol, could offer protection against radiation-induced damages by regulating cell cycle and proliferation. This could be a potential safe agent for protecting people before or after low-level nuclear incidents.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Low Radiation·DateNov 7, 2008

Lack of vitamin D linked to Parkinson's disease

A new study from Emory University School of Medicine found that 55 percent of Parkinson's disease patients had insufficient levels of vitamin D. The study also showed a higher fraction of patients with the lowest levels of vitamin D, described as deficiency, in the Parkinson's group compared to Alzheimer's and healthy groups.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateOct 13, 2008

Vitamin D a key player in overall health of several body organs, says UC Riverside biochemist

Research by Anthony Norman identifies vitamin D's potential contributions to good health in immune systems, insulin regulation, heart and blood pressure, muscle strength, brain activity, and reducing cancer risk. Adequate intake is essential for 36 organs, including bone marrow, prostate, and breast tissues.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 9, 2008

Low vitamin D levels associated with increased risk of death

Individuals with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of death from all causes, according to a study analyzing data from the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The analysis found that those with vitamin D deficiency had a 26% increased rate of death compared to those with adequate levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 11, 2008

Study links vitamin D to colon cancer survival

A new study by scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients diagnosed with colon cancer who had abundant vitamin D in their blood were less likely to die during a follow-up period. The researchers identified 304 participants and followed them until death or 2005, whichever occurred first.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 18, 2008

Low vitamin D levels appear common in healthy children

A study of 380 healthy children found that nearly half had low vitamin D levels, and about one-third showed reduced bone mineral content on X-rays. The researchers suggest that all young children should receive vitamin D supplements to prevent potential health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 2, 2008

No association found between vitamin D concentration in blood and risk of prostate cancer

Researchers analyzed vitamin D concentrations in 749 men with prostate cancer and 781 without, finding no correlation between vitamin D levels and prostate cancer risk. However, higher vitamin D levels were associated with increased risks of aggressive disease, but the association was not statistically significant.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 27, 2008

Vitamin D in brain function

Scientists at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland conclude that vitamin D plays an important role in brain development and function. While the exact effects on behavior remain unclear, evidence suggests a beneficial role for vitamin D in protecting against autoimmune diseases and some forms of cancer.

SourceChildren's Hospital & Research Center Oakland·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 21, 2008

Vitamin D and breast cancer risk

A study of 1,394 women found that those with low vitamin D levels had a significantly increased breast cancer risk. Carriers of certain polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene also showed an increased risk of developing breast tumors.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateApr 18, 2008