Vitamin D May Help You Live Longer

People who take regular doses of vitamin D have a lower risk of dying compared to those who don't take supplements, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The study looked at 60,000 people and found that those who took an average of 500 IU of vitamin D had a 7% lower risk of dying.

Vitamin D appears to be critical for optimal immune function, bone, muscle, and gum health, and cancer and diabetes prevention. What's surprising is that researchers are finding that vitamin D deficiency is quite common among the general population and that the current recommendation of 200 IU per day for adults may be too low.

In fact, the Canadian Cancer Society announced earlier this year that adults in Canada consider taking a 1,000 IU vitamin D supplement during winter months (the main source of vitamin D is the sun's ultraviolet rays). The Canadian Pediatric Society just recommended that pregnant and nursing women take a 2,000 IU vitamin D supplement during the winter. The U.S. vitamin D guidelines are currently being re-evaluated.

Find out more about vitamin D, who's at risk for vitamin D deficiency, and how to ensure you're getting enough: What You Need to Know About Vitamin D