Low vitamin D common in spine surgery patients; Deficiency may hinder recovery

A new study indicates that many patients undergoing spine surgery have low levels of vitamin D, which may delay their recovery. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, and patients with a deficiency can have difficulty producing new bone, which can, in turn, interfere with healing following spine surgery.

Low vitamin D in kids may play a role in anemia

Pediatricians have discovered a link between low levels of vitamin D and anemia in children.

Common virus plus low sunlight exposure may increase risk of multiple sclerosis

New research suggests that people who are exposed to low levels of sunlight coupled with a history of having a common virus known as mononucleosis may be at greater odds of developing multiple sclerosis than those without the virus.

Low vitamin D levels associated with cognitive decline

Older adults with low levels of vitamin D appear more likely to experience declines in thinking, learning and memory over a six-year period, according to a new study.

Vitamin D levels have different effects on atherosclerosis in blacks and whites, study finds

Vitamin D is quickly becoming the “go-to” remedy for treating a wide range of illnesses, from osteoporosis to atherosclerosis. However, new evidence suggests that supplementing vitamin D in those with low levels may have different effects based on patient race and, in black individuals, the supplement could actually do harm.

Inadequate levels of vitamin D may significantly increase risk of stroke, heart disease and death

Researchers found that patients with very low levels of Vitamin D were 77 percent more likely to die, 45 percent more likely to develop coronary artery disease, and 78 percent were more likely to have a stroke than patients with normal levels. Patients with very low levels of Vitamin D were also twice as likely to develop heart failure than those with normal Vitamin D levels.