Low vitamin D levels may be linked to increased all-cause mortality, particularly in older adults. Observational studies have shown a general trend for associations between low vitamin D levels and all-cause mortality in general[1] and elderly[2] populations.
The link between increased all-cause mortality and low vitamin D levels in elderly participants has been confirmed by clinical trials showing decreased mortality with vitamin D3 supplementation.[3]
Although associations between low vitamin D levels and increased all-cause mortality in the general population have been reported in observational studies,[1] randomized controlled trials with adult participants 18 years or older have failed to confirm this, finding no evidence for an association between vitamin D supplementation and all-cause mortality compared to a placebo.[4]
More research is needed to better understand the influence of vitamin D supplementation on all-cause mortality and longevity in different populations.
References
- ^Vieth R, Bischoff-Ferrari H, Boucher BJ, Dawson-Hughes B, Garland CF, Heaney RP, Holick MF, Hollis BW, Lamberg-Allardt C, McGrath JJ, Norman AW, Scragg R, Whiting SJ, Willett WC, Zittermann AThe urgent need to recommend an intake of vitamin D that is effective.Am J Clin Nutr.(2007-Mar)
- ^Smit E, Crespo CJ, Michael Y, Ramirez-Marrero FA, Brodowicz GR, Bartlett S, Andersen REThe effect of vitamin D and frailty on mortality among non-institutionalized US older adults.Eur J Clin Nutr.(2012-Sep)
- ^Bjelakovic G, Gluud LL, Nikolova D, Whitfield K, Wetterslev J, Simonetti RG, Bjelakovic M, Gluud CVitamin D supplementation for prevention of mortality in adultsCochrane Database Syst Rev.(2014 Jan 10)
- ^Zhang Y, Fang F, Tang J, Jia L, Feng Y, Xu P, Faramand AAssociation between vitamin D supplementation and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysisBMJ.(2019 Aug 12)