BOSTON, April 26 (UPI) -- Originally known as an aid in the absorption of calcium, vitamin D is gaining in attention in its role preventing disease, says a U.S. researcher.
Dr. Michael Holick, professor of medicine, physiology and dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine, says some evidence suggests that a deficiency of vitamin D may be associated with many chronic diseases, including common cancers, autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis as well as cardiovascular heart disease.
Vitamin D is not widely available in natural food sources -- it is primarily found in fish oils, including cod liver oil; some vegetables; fortified milk; cereals; and breads.
Holik will present his findings at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Fifteenth Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress this week in Chicago.
