Johns Hopkins researchers have found that lower than normal blood levels of vitamin D are linked to increased risk of early signs of interstitial lung disease - a relatively rare group of disorders characterized by lung scarring and inflammation that may lead to progressive, disabling and irreversible lung damage. An estimated 200,000 cases a year are diagnosed in the United States, most of them caused by environmental toxins such as asbestos or coal dust, but it can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, medication side effects or, sometimes, from unknown causes. Once diagnosed with the disease, most people don’t live...

UNICEF estimates that 48 percent of children between six and 59 months old in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to preventable childhood blindness and increase the risk of death from common illnesses, such as diarrhea. Sweet potato-fortified bread developed at South Dakota State University is helping fight vitamin A deficiency in Africa. Visiting scientist Daniel Mbogo of the International Potato Center in Kenya is working with assistant professor Srinivas Janaswamy to formulate breads with sweet potatoes that will enhance vitamin A in diets. Janaswamys research in the Department of Dairy and Food Science focuses on...

Obesity is a global epidemic and contributes to an estimated 2.8 million deaths per year worldwide. Higher levels of belly fat are associated with lower vitamin D levels in obese individuals, according to data presented recently at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018. The study reports that vitamin D levels are lower in individuals with higher levels of belly fat. It also suggests that individuals - particularly the overweight with larger waistlines - should have their vitamin D levels checked to avoid any potentially health-damaging effects. Vitamin D deficiency is typically associated with impaired bone health, but...