Adequate levels of vitamin D have been linked with many positive health outcomes – reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer and bone fractures. Now a study shows that surgical patients with higher vitamin D levels have lower rates of death and complications after surgery.
An opinion paper written by two physicians is urging doctors to check patients’ vitamin D levels before surgery and to encourage supplementation, if needed, before an operation. If vitamin D levels are below 50 ng/ml, supplementation is wise. It takes about 6 weeks to achieve an improved vitamin D level.
