Are Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D Levels Associated with Mortality?

An estimated 50% to 60% of older people have suboptimal vitamin D levels, which is a problem that could affect more than bone health. Recent cross-sectional studies have also shown an association between low vitamin D levels and cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. In a long-term prospective study from Germany, researchers assessed whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels were associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among more than 3000 consecutive patients (mean age, 62) referred for coronary angiography.

During a mean follow-up of 7.7 years, 23% of the patients died (63% of deaths were secondary to cardiovascular causes). After controlling for multiple potential confounders incl…