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SALT LAKE CITY -- We're getting into that "gray" time of year. It's getting dark earlier, and we might not be getting as much vitamin D as we should. According to new research from Intermountain Medical Center, vitamin D deficiency has serious consequences.
Vitamin D is found in fish, eggs, fortified milk and cod liver oil. The sun is also a source of Vitamin D and 10 minutes of exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies.
Researchers found nearly two-thirds of Utahns don't get enough vitamin D. That can lead to a whole slew of problems including depression, diabetes, heart disease and even early death.
For more than a year, a research team followed close to 28,000 patients who were 50 or older, with no prior history of cardiovascular disease.
Doctors found that patients with very low levels of vitamin D were 77 percent more likely to die; 45 percent were more likely to develop coronary artery disease; and 78 percent were more likely to have a stroke than patients with normal vitamin D levels.
The research team presented their findings Monday at the American Heart Association's Scientific Conference in Orlando, Fla.
Doctors here told KSL the good news is that vitamin D deficiency is easily treated by over-the-counter supplements, which are very affordable.
E-mail: jstagg@ksl.com
