JanFeb 2010 CMA Today reports on a study of vitamin D levels in increased risk of cardiovascular disease presented at the American Heart Association 2009 Scientific Sessions.

This study followed 27,000 people over the age of 50 and found that those with low levels of vitamin D were 45% more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 77% more likely to die than those with adequate levels.

The study suggests that many Americans do not have adequate levels of vitamin D but could correct the problem by spending short amounts of time in direct sunlight as well as consuming foods high in vitamin D - like fish, egg yolk, and fortified milk.