News
Low blood vitamin D concentrations may increase mortality risk
30 December 2011
A new review suggests that mortality risk decreases as the vitamin D serum level increases, with optimal concentrations of 75–87.5 nmol/L.
01 November 2012
According to a new UK study, insufficient blood vitamin D concentrations may be detrimental to musculoskeletal performance in athletes.
The study assessed the vitamin D concentrations of 61 non-vitamin D supplemented UK-based athletes and 30 age-matched healthy non-athletes (1). In addition, it looked how a supplement containing either 5000 IU of vitamin D3 per day or a placebo affected musculoskeletal performance over a period of 8 weeks. The study results showed that 62% of the athletes and 73% of the controls exhibited inadequate serum vitamin D concentrations (25(OH)D below 50 nmol/l). Vitamin D supplementation increased 25(OH)D levels, whereas the placebo group showed no significant change. Additionally, there was a significant increase in 10 m sprint times and vertical-jump in the supplement group while the placebo group showed no change.
The researchers commented that the new data support previous findings that athletes living at northerly lati-tudes (UK = 53° N) exhibit inadequate vitamin D concentrations. Furthermore, the data could suggest that inadequate vitamin D concentration is detrimental to musculoskeletal performance in athletes. Future studies using larger athletic groups are now warranted.
30 December 2011
A new review suggests that mortality risk decreases as the vitamin D serum level increases, with optimal concentrations of 75–87.5 nmol/L.
1 September 2010
A new review underpins correlation between vitamin D insufficiency and multiple sclerosis in children and adults.
1 March 2015
Since older people often do not process food well, old age may be considered a risk factor for inadequate micronutrient uptake. In the course of the natural aging process, several bodily functions deteriorate. An insufficient supply of micronutrients to the organism can accelerate the natural aging process and aggravate the decline of cell renewal processes, immune defense, eyesight and hearing, and cognitive performance. Further, the presence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer can increase micronutrient requirements. It is therefore all the more necessary to ensure that older people receive an optimal supply of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids. However, many older people are a long way from consuming the recommended daily amounts, even in highly developed industrial nations.