Low Vitamin D Linked to Early Death

People with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to die earlier from a variety of causes than people with normal levels of the so-called "Sunshine Vitamin," according to a new study. The study is the latest to underscore the health benefits of vitamin D—and points to nearly twice the risk of early death from any cause, as well as from heart-related problems.

"This is the first association study that shows vitamin D affects mortality regardless of the primary reason for death," said the lead researcher. "These results should prompt us to perform vitamin D measurements on a more frequent basis, especially in populations at risk," such as the elderly. (More vitamin D stories.)