LiveLongAgeWell

Over the years, various vitamins are touted as the having the most wonderful benefits, yet some—such as vitamins C and E—while still important, have lost their super-star status. Now the new darling of the vitamin world is vitamin D, and numerous reports have been published recently linking higher levels of vitamin D (the “sunshine vitamin”) with decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, even various cancers. Hopes are running high that this vitamin will, over time, maintain its lofty status.

This week’s study showed that people with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s had lower blood levels of vitamin D, but since this was not a clinical trial, it’s not known if taking more vitamin D will cut the risk of those diseases. Again, more studies are needed. Until then, it seems wise to ensure you are getting plenty of vitamin D either through your diet (not so easy for adults), sunshine, or supplements. This site will keep you informed of the various studies that appear. Much more vitamin D information, including how to ensure you are getting an adequate intake, can be found here (from the very useful Dietary Supplement Index on the LLAW right sidebar).