Vitamin D deficiency linked to greater risk of early death

(John Anderer/ Study Finds) — Here’s a serious motivator for soaking up some extra sunlight — or at least take some extra supplements. New research is revealing compelling evidence that a vitamin D deficiency can lead to premature death. Study authors at the University of South Australia say their findings highlight the importance of following healthy vitamin D level guidelines.

Prior estimates place U.S. vitamin D deficiency levels at somewhere around 40 percent of the adult population. This latest study reports the more severe the vitamin D deficiency, the greater the risk of early death.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps keep bones and muscles strong and healthy. While prior studies have noted a possible connection between vitamin D levels and mortality outcomes, first study author and UniSA PhD candidate Josh Sutherland explains it’s been tough to establish causal effects. (…)