Vitamin D

Health & Safety

A Year In, Here's What We Know About Vitamin D For Preventing COVID

7:13pm April 14, 2021

by Will Stone

For a year, researchers have been studying and arguing over vitamin D's potential for helping protect against or treat COVID-19. The evidence is still not conclusive.

Research hasn't delivered a definitive answer on whether fish oil and Vitamin D supplements have health benefits, but it's clear that eating fish is beneficial.

Health & Safety

Should You Keep Taking Those Fish Oil And Vitamin D Pills?

3:50pm November 15, 2018

by Patti Neighmond

When NPR reported on research that sheds doubt on the value of fish oil and vitamin D supplements, people had a lot of questions. So we went back to the experts to get you some answers.

A serving of salmon contains about 600 IUs of vitamin D, researchers say, and a cup of fortified milk around 100. Cereals and juices are sometimes fortified, too. Check the labels, researchers say, and aim for 600 IUs daily, or 800 if you're older than 70

Does Vitamin D Really Protect Against Colorectal Cancer?

7:38pm June 14, 2018

by Patti Neighmond

The jury's been out on whether low blood levels of vitamin D increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers say a new review involving more than 12,000 people strongly suggests the answer is yes.

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An active lifestyle can be the best defense against falls in older age.

Health & Safety

To Prevent Falls In Older Age, Try Regular Exercise

1:04pm April 17, 2018

by Allison Aubrey

After reviewing the medical evidence, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended exercise as the most effective approach for older people seeking to minimize the risk of falling.

A Bit More Vitamin D Might Help Prevent Colds And Flu

2:00pm February 16, 2017

by Allison Aubrey

An analysis finds that if you're deficient in vitamin D, taking a supplement might cut your risk of respiratory infections. But there's disagreement on what's considered deficient.

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Minority Teens May Need An Extra Vitamin D Boost

2:28pm December 22, 2015

by Tara Haelle

It's hard for anyone to get enough of the sunshine vitamin in the wintry North, and dark-skinned teens may be especially prone to a deficiency, doctors find. A weekly supplement can help.

In northern climes, the winter sun is too weak for people to generate vitamin D on their own, and it can be hard to get enough in food.

With Winter Here, Many Kids Could Use Vitamin D Supplements

11:03am December 21, 2015

by Katherine Hobson

You can get vitamin D through diet alone, but it may not be easy. A significant percentage of young kids are falling short. Blame the weak sun of winter, and sunscreen in summer.

Vitamin D supplements may or may not help slow cognitive decline. But studies hint at a connection.

Cognitive Decline May Move Faster In People With Low Vitamin D

5:18pm September 15, 2015

by Nancy Shute

Older people with low levels of vitamin D are likely to lose memory and executive function more quickly, a study finds. But it didn't look into whether taking supplements could help.

People can make vitamin D when exposed to sunshine. But many people in North America never get enough sun to do that.

Vitamin D Tests Aren't Needed For Everyone, Federal Panel Says

2:55pm November 25, 2014

by Nancy Shute

There's not enough evidence that screening the general public for vitamin D deficiency helps reduce the risk of disease, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says.

Reducing dietary salt and alcohol, exercising, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight are other lifestyle tweaks known to help prevent or reduce high blood pressure, doctors say.

Health & Safety

Study Hints Vitamin D Might Help Curb High Blood Pressure

8:50am April 05, 2013

by Patti Neighmond

In the ongoing debate about the possible benefits of vitamin D supplements, a study suggests that the vitamin might indeed play a role in mildly reducing high blood pressure. The study was small and looked at just African-Americans, but the authors say the findings warrant further research.

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