In a study done by the University of Kansas, more than 10,000 patients were observed in relation to their vitamin D intake. Researchers discovered that more than 70 percent of those being analyzed were suffering from vitamin D deficiency, which makes them highly susceptible to health problems, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy.
Also, a vitamin D deficiency nearly doubles an individual’s chances of dying.
Dr. James L. Vacek, a professor at the University of Kansas Hospital and Medical center, said “We expected to see that there was a relationship between heart disease and vitamin D deficiency; we were surprised at how strong it was”.
However, vitamin D supplements could provide a solution. In the study, patients who suffered from deficiencies and were treated with supplements were proven to be 60 percent less likely to die from any cause.
Experts consider 30 nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter of blood a healthy amount, but research has shown that up to 70 percent of Americans are not reaching that standard. Vacek believes that this is because 90% of vitamin D supposedly comes from skin exposure to the sun, and 10 percent from food. During the winter months, the sun is generally not strong enough to provide an adequate amount.
Vitamin D can be attained through 20 minutes of full body exposure to the sun on warm days and by eating foods like oily fish, milk products, and eggs.
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