SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - New research presented to the American Heart Association shows not getting enough vitamin D dramatically increases your risk of many medical problems, from diabetes to depression.
Doctor Brent Muhlestein of the Intermountian Medical Center says, “We produce vitamin D in response to sunlight, and we get vitamin D supplements in milk or pills but in Utah we are not getting enough.”
According to the study of more than 27 thousand patients, being low on vitamin D can have a devastating impact.
The study shows just how large a role vitamin D has in maintaining a healthy heart. Researchers say being deficient in D doubles the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Without enough D you are 50-60 percent more likely to have a heart attack or stroke and 67 percent more likely to be dead in two years.
Dr. Muhlestein says the reason for vitamin D deficiency is partly because of a lack of sun exposure, but he is not recommending we spend more time in the sun because of the risk of skin cancer. Instead, he recommends consumers have D levels tested and take daily supplements if necessary.
