Doctor Bon

Every year many people die from stroke, heart attack and a host of other cardiovascular diseases. These diseases may stem from bad diet, unhealthy lifestyle, being overweight and basically not getting enough vitamins and minerals in the body such as Vitamin D and calcium.

Recent Studies show that enough Calcium and Vitamin D intake lowers the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases and generally helps prevent many other health problems. A research led by Harald Dobnig, MD, of the Medical University of Graz, Austria, studied 3,258 patients with heart problems. The patients composed of both men and women were monitored for eight years.

After eight years, preliminary studies show that those with lower levels of Vitamin D had a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases. Although the tests results were not conclusive, it was enough to show the link of low vitamin D intake to cause higher risk of dying from these diseases. In another study, calcium was also said to have the same effect.

Sources of Vitamin D and Calcium

Vitamin D is made in the body through exposure to the sun and research shows that natural sources of vitamin D include:

• Fish liver oils, such as cod liver oil, 1 Tbs. (15 mL) provides 1,360 IU
• Fatty fish species, such as:

• Herring, 85g (3 oz) provides 1383 IU
• Catfish, 85g (3 oz) provides 425 IU
• Salmon, cooked, 3.5 oz provides 360 IU
• Mackerel, cooked, 3.5 oz, 345 IU
• Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 1.75 oz, 250 IU
• Tuna, canned in oil, 3 oz, 200 IU
• Eel, cooked, 3.5 oz, 200 IU

Dietary Sources of Calcium

According to the Agricultural Handbook, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the 25 major food sources of calcium, are the following:

Here’s the Recommended Daily calcium and Vitamin D intake:

Calcium

Vitamin D**

** People who spend adequate amounts of time in the sun do not need dietary vitamin D intake.