Vitamin D may lower risk of cardiovascular disease in seniors A recent comprehensive review of earlier studies has found that elderly people with high levels of vitamin D are at a significantly decreased risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome than are people of similar age with low blood levels of the nutrient.

Researchers from the University of Warwick Medical School reviewed nearly 30 studies including more than 99,000 participants of varying ages. The literature review indicated that seniors with high levels of vitamin D had a 33 percent decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Moreover, the studies revealed that respondents with elevated levels of the nutrient had a 55 percent reduced risk of diabetes and a 51 percent lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome than those will low vitamin D levels.

"Targeting vitamin D deficiency in adult populations could potentially slow the current epidemics of cardiometabolic disorders," said Oscar Franco, assistant professor in public health at Warwick Medical School.

Separate studies have also indicated that vitamin D may provide protection from high blood pressure and several autoimmune diseases. The best known sources for the nutrient can be found in the flesh of salmon, tuna and mackerel.