7 Healthcast: Vitamin D study

Vitamin D is known to promote healthy bones, but it may be doing a lot more.

“There is emerging increased evidence that Vitamin D may have health benefits that go beyond bone health,” said Dr. Joann Manson.

In fact, a new study is underway at Brigham and Women’s Hospital that hopes to show Vitamin D may actually prevent the onset of chronic disease.

“The reason we're doing this study is that Vitamin D and Omega 3 seem to be two of the most promising nutrients in the prevention of chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Manson.

Mary Hoey of South Boston agreed to be one of the participants in the study.

“It seems that Vitamin D is really working in women's lives, and therefore I'll take it. It’s why I have agreed to do this study,” said Hoey.

Hoey will take a daily dose of Vitamin D and Omega 3.

Then, over the next several years, researchers will check her overall health to see if there is evidence her system is warding off diseases like cancer and diabetes.

“It’s very important to understand whether supplementing with Vitamin D supplements will help to prevent many of these chronic diseases which have been linked to Vitamin D deficiency,” said Dr. Manson.

At 74, Hoey is still active and healthy. She says she agreed to the study to help others, including members of her own family.

“So when the doctor mentioned that this could affect cancer or diabetes, and that’s what they’re looking at. I have a niece and a grand niece that have diabetes, and they’re young, but I'd love anything that could help them,” said Hoey.

To take part in the study, you have to be a woman over the age of 65, or a man over 60 with no prior history of heart disease or cancer. It’s all done through the mail, so you don't have to set foot in a doctor's office.

You can learn more about the role vitamins play in warding off deadly diseases at the 7NEWS Health and Fitness Expo on June 12 and 13 at the Hynes Convention Center.

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