Low vitamin D linked to earlier first menstruation

A study links low vitamin D in young girls with early menstruation, which is a risk factor for a host of health problems for teen girls as well as women later in life.

Three-quarters of hip fracture patients are vitamin D deficient, Indian study reveals

A study from New Delhi India has revealed high rates of vitamin D deficiency among hip fracture patients, confirming the conclusions of similar international studies which point to vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for hip fracture.

Meta-analysis shows no heart benefits for folic acid supplements

Use of folic acid supplements appears to lower blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine — theorized to be a risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease — but does not appear to be associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular events, cancer or death over a five-year period, according to a meta-analysis of previously published studies.

Vitamin D deficiency linked to arterial stiffness in black teens

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with arterial stiffness, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, in black teens, according to a new study. Black teens taking vitamin D supplementation of 2,000 international units per day had a decrease in central arterial stiffness.

Low vitamin D linked to the metabolic syndrome in elderly people

A new study adds to the mounting evidence that older adults commonly have low vitamin D levels and that vitamin D inadequacy may be a risk factor for the metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects one in four adults.

Genetic risk factor identified for Parkinson’s disease

Doctors and human geneticists have identified a new genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease.