A study made by Austrian researchers at the University of Graz has showed that people with a low level of vitamin D could be linked with higher mortality rates.

The study observed a number of over 3000 persons, men and women, with an average age of 62 which were scheduled for a full heart examination between 1997 and 2000. Their health condition was monitored for the next eight years and it was discovered that ut of the 737 people who died during this period of time, a larger number of them had a low level of vitamin D.

Vitamin D, which is also called sunshine vitamin because it is produced by the human body when exposed to light, is a factor that influences the cardiovascular system, as well as the strength of the bones. Some studies have also suggested that this vitamin is also linked with the body’s ability to fight against cancer.

A low level of the vitamin has been demonstrated to lead to a greater chance of dying of a heart disease, as well as the development of osteoporosis in adults. Vitamin D helps the body to assimilate calcium, the main component of bone tissue.

The study that has been carried out by the Austrian researchers has found that 463 out of the more that 3000 persons that were included in it died of a heart related disease, and that the remaining 274 persons had conditions that haven’t been previously related to Vitamin D deficiency.

People can increase the level of vitamin D in their bodies by spending more time in the sun and taking supplements. Vitamin D can also be controlled by diet.