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Vitamin D is an important vitamin; Low levels are related to poor bone and muscle health and other chronic conditions akin to heart disease and cancer. Now, a study published online on April 19, 2018, by PLoS One Higher levels of vitamin D have been linked to a lower risk of diabetes. Researchers followed 900 older adults (average age 74) for 12 years, checking their vitamin D and blood sugar levels during clinic visits. Compared to people whose blood vitamin D levels were lower than 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml), individuals with vitamin D levels of 30 ng/ml or more had diabetes. The risk was one-third, and people with D levels of fifty ng/ml or higher had one-fifth the danger. This research doesn’t prove that taking vitamin D supplements to extend blood levels of vitamin D will reduce the danger of diabetes, even though it is feasible. The Institute of Medicine estimates that 97% of the population has a blood level of 20 ng/ml or higher. Other authorities imagine that levels above 20 ng/ml are optimal for health. Larger studies are underway to assist resolve these differences of opinion.
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