video: New research from the University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen University Hospital shows that low blood vitamin D levels increase mortality. The study included 96,000 Danes and was recently published in the distinguished British Medical Journal. view more
Credit: The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Vitamin D deficiency is generally associated with an increased risk of poor bone health. However, recent studies have shown that low levels of this important vitamin also involve an increased risk of other diseases and higher mortality rates. For the very first time, a brand new scientific study has established a causal relationship between low vitamin D levels and increased mortality. The researchers have not only established a statistical relationship as in previous studies.
- We have conducted a major Danish study, in which we have examined the connection between genes associated with permanent low levels of vitamin D and mortality. We can see that genes associated with low vitamin D levels involve an increased mortality rate of 30 per cent and, more specifically, a 40 per cent higher risk of cancer-related deaths. An important factor in our study is that we have established a causal relationship, says Shoaib Afzal, Medical Doctor at Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital.
96,000 Danes from large-scale population studies
In the scientific study, which is based on the Copenhagen City Heart Study and the Copenhagen General Population Study, vitamin D levels were measured using blood samples from both studies, and specific genetic defects were examined. All participants were followed in the 100% complete Danish registers for mortality from 1976 until today.
- In previous studies, a close statistical relationship has been established between low vitamin D levels and increased mortality rates. However, the fact that vitamin D deficiency can be a marker for unhealthy lifestyles and poor health in general may have distorted the results. This led to our current study, which was based on an examination of the participants' genes - genes which cannot be explained by unhealthy lifestyles, says Børge Nordestgaard, Clinical Professor at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and Chief Physician at Copenhagen University Hospital.
Preventive treatment?
- Our study shows that low vitamin D levels do result in higher mortality rates, but the best way of increasing vitamin D levels in the population remains unclear. We still need to establish the amount of vitamin D to be added, as well as how and when it is most effective: Should we get vitamin D from the sun, through our diet or as vitamin supplements? And should it be added in the foetal stage via the mother, during childhood or when we have reached adulthood? Børge Nordestgaard continues.
When the sun shines on our skin, the skin produces vitamin D. Evidence suggests that sunshine has a positive effect on our health, but sunburns must be avoided as they increase the risk of skin cancer. A diet rich in vitamin D or the intake of vitamin D supplements can also cover our need to some extent.
The researchers define 'a low level' of vitamin D as 'a level that is 20 nmol/L lower than normal'. In Denmark, a minimum level of 50 nmol per litre plasma is currently recommended.
###
Contact:
Shoaib Afzal, Medical Doctor
Mobile: +45 5134 4875
Email: Shoaib.Afzal@regionh.dk
Børge Nordestgaard, Clinical Professor
Mobile: +45 3028 7263
Email: Boerge.Nordestgaard@regionh.dk
Facts
The average Dane gets one fifth of the recommended minimum level of vitamin D through the diet and four fifths through sunlight.
Vitamin D is produced in the skin. The sufficient amount of sunlight to cover our need for vitamin D corresponds to 5-30 minutes of sunlight on arms, neck and head a couple of times per week. From October to March in Northern countries, however, the sun is much lower in the sky, which means that it does not provide enough light to start the production of vitamin D in the skin. Therefore, a healthy diet and possibly vitamin D supplements are very important sources of vitamin D during winter in such countries.
A daily intake of 7.5 µg of vitamin D is often recommended. Apart from certain mushrooms, only foods of animal original contain vitamin D (fish, meat, eggs, dairy products). It is recommended that we eat 200-300 g of fish a week. Particularly oily fish is rich in vitamin D.
Vitamin D is important to build strong and healthy bones, and vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing osteoporosis. Whether vitamin D supplements may have a protective effect on the development of certain cancer and heart diseases remains uncertain, which is why the recommendations regarding vitamin D supplements primarily refer to bone health. Vitamin D supplements are usually not recommended for healthy adults who eat a varied diet. However, vitamin D supplements are often recommended for pregnant women, children under the age of 2, people with dark skin, people whose skin is covered during the summer season and people over the age of 70.
Journal
The BMJ