Lack of sunlight linked to heart disease

Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to heart disease and diabetes in older people, a new study indicates.

According to researchers from the University of Warwick in the UK, vitamin D deficiency may have a link with metabolic syndrome - a group of conditions including obesity, high blood pressure. abnormal cholesterol levels and resistance to insulin, which combine to increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

In a study of more than 3,200 people aged 50-70 years, 94% had a vitamin D deficiency and 42% also had metabolic syndrome. The researchers say that more research is needed to establish why this is.

Vitamin D deficiency is already well known to have a significant impact on bone health. Levels are improved by moving out and about in the sunshine. Vitamin D is also found in several foods, most notably fish. Vitamin D supplements are also available.

Elderly people often become deficient in vitamin D because the time they spend outside in the sun is minimal.

The results of the study were published in the Diabetes Care journal.

[Posted: Tue 12/05/2009]