Vitamin D and calcium longevity link

Vitamin D and calcium supplements could help older people live longer, according to a review of existing research.

Scientists from the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark compared eight randomised, controlled trials that looked at the vitamin D intake of more than 70,000 adults in their 60s and 70s.

They found people who took vitamin D supplements, along with their calcium supplements, were 9% less likely to die over a three-year period, compared with people who took no supplements.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps our bones absorb calcium. Our bodies produce vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight, or it can be taken in supplement form.

For every 151 people who took vitamin D and calcium supplements daily, one less person would die, according to the researchers.

The study author, Professor Lars Rejnmark, said while the results showed reduced mortality in elderly patients using vitamin D supplements in combination with calcium,  these results were not found in patients on vitamin D alone.

Taking the supplements for less than three years did not appear to affect people’s mortality.

Professor Rejnmark claimed calcium and vitamin D was particularly important for post-menopausal women and men from the age of 50.

Carol Nowson, a professor of eating and nutrition at Deakin University, was not surprised by the report, stating plenty of previous studies have shown taking vitamin D, with or without calcium, can increase longevity.

“There is more evidence that if you’ve got more vitamin D, you’re going to live longer, you’re going to have lower rates of cardiovascular disease and you’re going to have lower rates of cancer,” she said.

However, new Swiss research released yesterday (Monday, 18 June 2012), suggested calcium supplements doubled the risk of heart attacks.

University of Zurich researchers found people who took the pills were 86% more likely to have a heart attack than those who did not take them.

The risk more than doubled for people taking only calcium supplements, the researchers claimed.

Do you take Vitamin D or calcium supplements? We’re interested to know your thoughts on this study. Share your comments below.