Vitamin D Deters Risk Of Earlier Death

Vitamin D gets a lot of good press lately. Deservedly so. The vitamin helps boost immunity, helps build stronger bones and may help fight off cancer. So it’s no real surprise that research now shows that older adults can cut their risk of early death by 30 percent by getting enough vitamin D.

As you grow older, you become more susceptible to weak muscles, trouble walking, fatigue, weight problems and general malaise. More vitamin D may help offset all of these difficulties.

“(Our study presents) an important finding because we already know there is a biological basis for this. Vitamin D impacts muscle function and bones, so it makes sense that it plays a big role in frailty,” says lead author Ellen Smit of Oregon State.

Getting out in the noonday sun helps your body make vitamin D. “[O]lder adults should try and get more activity in the sunshine,” Smit says. “Our study suggests that there is an opportunity for intervention with those who are in the pre-frail group, but could live longer, more independent lives if they get proper nutrition and exercise.”