Vitamin D and Calcium for a Longer Life?

A review of several studies involving over 70,000 older individuals found that people who take vitamin D and calcium together may live longer than people who do not. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, found that participants taking the supplements were 9% less likely to die over a three year period than individuals taking a placebo. Participants were administered 20 micrograms of vitamin D and 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day; both well within the guidelines suggested by US health officials. The reasons for the decline in mortality were unclear, although a decline in both hip fractures and cancer were suggested. Lead researcher Lars Rejnmark, of Aarhus University in Denmark, noted the effect as being comparable to the benefits of blood pressure medications and cholesterol-lowering statins. There was no effect noted by taking vitamin D alone.