Vitamin D and calcium may extend life expectancy

Elderly people who ingest high amounts of vitamin D and calcium have lower rates of death than those who are deficient in these nutrients. This finding comes from a new study by researchers at the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark and published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism . The researchers analyzed the results of eight large tests on vitamin D, involving more than 70 thousand elderly people. One group of participants took supplements with 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D per day and 1,000 milligrams of calcium. During this time, those who took vitamin D and calcium supplementation together were 9% less likely to die from any cause. The reason for this reduction is not yet clear, but the researchers say that the lower mortality rate is not only due to fracture prevention, the main indication for calcium and vitamin D intake. In previous studies, vitamin D has been associated with lower risks of colorectal cancer and several other cancers, but the research is far from conclusive. According to the authors, calcium with vitamin D appears to bring benefits to overall health, but more studies are needed to understand this association.

Although the value of supplementation remains in question, researchers claim that amounts of calcium and vitamin D supplements obtained through supplementation in the study can be absorbed normally by our body from diet, exposure to sunlight and physical activity. Know what to take or avoid to have more calcium in the body Did you know that only 10% of the Brazilian population consume the recommended daily amount of calcium? This ideal amount is 1000mg per day, the equivalent of three cups of whole milk plus one serving of yellow cheese. However, it is not enough just to ingest these foods - there are several other factors that influence the body's absorption of calcium:

Practice exercises!

Dr. Syllene Nunes, responsible for the area of ​​Preventive Medicine of the National Unimed Central, says that the more we move our bone, the greater the activation of the osteoblasts, which are the bone-producing cells. "The impact exercise puts the bone in the muscles forces, favoring this activation," she says. In addition, the practice of physical activity also helps our body absorb the calcium we ingest, further strengthening our bones.

Vitamin D

Nutritionist Camila Freitas of Vittali explains that exposure to the sun activates vitamin D that is in our body, stimulating the intestinal absorption of calcium. "Ten to fifteen minutes a day of sun exposure on the arms and legs, before 10am or after 4pm, is a good way to get Vitamin D," says Nutri. At other times, sunbathing is only with sunscreen! Among the food sources of this nutrient are sardines, salmon and mushrooms.

Magnesium and phosphorus

Phosphorus and magnesium are part of the bone matrix. Therefore, ingesting foods rich in these nutrients is essential for calcium absorption and bone strengthening. Dark green leaves and nuts are good sources of magnesium. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

indicates that people who drink cola-based soft drinks tend to expel calcium by urine in greater quantity. No significant relationship was observed with carbonated drinks without glues, but further research is needed to confirm these results.Smoking and alcohol

"Excess alcohol increases the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, and zinc that are important agents of the bone matrix," says Syllene. In addition, chronic alcoholics have difficulty activating vitamin D present in the body. The results of this may be Osteopenia - reduction of bone formation - and increased risk of fractures.

Rio de Janeiro becomes part of permanent vaccination zone against yellow fever

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(Health)

Marcelo Rezende is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

In an interview with the Sunday Special program broadcast last night (14) , on the Rede Record, the presenter and journalist Marcelo Rezende reported that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On Monday of the last week (08), Rezende was admitted to Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, in São Paulo.

(Health)