Sunshine IS really good for you: Getting your recommended daily allowance of vitamin D from natural light can reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease, the study finds
- Taking the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D can reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease or diabetes, according to a new study
- Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D and is often considered the best way to get it on a daily basis
- People with higher levels of vitamin D were less likely to show signs of dangerous inflammation associated with medical conditions after routine testing
- Those who are at increased risk of developing diabetes or heart disease can help control risk by getting more sunlight
Soaking up the sun can do more than just improve your mood, as the vitamin D from natural light may even help prevent devastating diseases like diabetes and heart disease, a new study finds.
Researchers at the University of South Australia’s Cancer Research Institute in Adelaide found that people who got an adequate amount of vitamin D were less likely to show markers of inflammation in blood tests.
While inflammation is a normal part of the body’s immune system and other processes, too much can put a person at increased risk of developing harmful chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
There are many different ways to get a daily dose of vitamin D, particularly through fish products. However, the body can also convert sunlight into vitamin D in the skin, so spending time outdoors is the easiest way to get the intake you need.
Researchers found that getting enough vitamin D every day can reduce a person’s risk of developing diabetes or heart disease. Sunlight is considered an excellent source of the vitamin (file photo)
Researchers collected data from the UK Biobank, a pool of data from thousands of UK residents collected to gain a better understanding of many diseases.
The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, included data from 294,970 Britons.
They specifically tried to compare levels of vitamin D and C-reactive proteins, which are linked to inflammation.
HOW VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY CAN AFFECT THE HUMAN BODY
A vitamin D deficiency — when the levels of vitamin D in your body are too low — can cause your bones to become thin, brittle, or deformed.
Vitamin D also appears to play a role in insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and immune function — and this relates to heart disease and cancer — but this is still under investigation.
Low vitamin levels have also long been associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis.
Although the amount of vitamin D that adults get from their diets is often less than recommended, exposure to the sun can make up the difference.
Vitamin D deficiency is not a problem for most adults.
However, some groups — particularly those who are overweight, dark-skinned, and those over 65 — may have lower levels of vitamin D due to diet, low sun exposure, or other factors.
Source: Mayo Clinic
“Inflammation is how your body protects your tissues when you’ve been injured or have an infection,” said Dr. Ang Zhou, lead researcher on the study, in a statement.
“High levels of C-reactive protein are made by the liver in response to inflammation. So when your body suffers from chronic inflammation, it also has higher levels of C-reactive protein.
“This study examined vitamin D and C-reactive proteins and found a lopsided relationship between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of C-reactive protein, expressed as inflammation.
“Increasing vitamin D in people who are deficient may reduce chronic inflammation and help them avoid a number of associated diseases.”
Blood test data showed a clear link between vitamin D levels and C-reactive protein levels.
These results have major implications for the medical community going forward. First, a person suffering from a condition associated with inflammation should ensure they consume more vitamin D.
Those who are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems — or other related health conditions — should also be careful not to increase their risk with vitamin D deficiency.
It also shines an increased importance for the vitamin.
The easiest and most recommended way to get more vitamin D is to simply spend more time outdoors.
While the amount of sunlight needed can vary greatly based on a person’s age and race, vitamin D from the sun is believed to be more durable than versions from foods and supplements.
According to Healthline, many fish and fish oil products are excellent sources of vitamin D. Mushrooms are also considered a great source.