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Medication News & Update

Higher Calcium and Vitamin D Levels May Decrease Diabetes Risk

   An assessment of almost 84,000 women from the Women's Helath Study indicated some positive results from adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D in the prevention of diabetes. Those women who had the highest combined intakes of calcium and vitamin D were at lowest risk for developing type II diabetes. The women in the study were from 35-55 years of age. The women had no history of diabetes , cancer or heart disease. Dietary intake was followed and evaluated every 2-4 years. Vitamin D use was assessed starting in1984. Additionally, weight,  physical activity, smoking status, alchohol use and high cholesterol were also assessed. The combined intake of 1200mg of calcium and 800IU of vitamin D showed 33% lower incidence of diabetes type II compared to 600mg of calcium and 400IU of vitamin D intakes.