BOSTON -- An insufficient vitamin D level is a significant health risk that has been linked to dozens of diseases, from fatigue to breast cancer to autoimmune illnesses.

Now, researchers are adding heart attacks to the list of risks of vitamin D deficiency.

The Harvard School of Public Health found that men ages 40-75 who were vitamin D deficient were twice as likely to have a heart attack.

The findings were based on a review of medical records and blood samples. The increased risk held true even when researchers accounted for the fact that men who are vitamin D deficient also tend to weigh more, smoke and exercise less than men with higher blood levels of vitamin D.

There are three ways to increase vitamin D levels; supplements, moderate exposure to sunlight, and a diet rich in foods such as cereal, milk, and fish including salmon, mackerel, tuna fish and sardines.

Omega-3 Acids Benefit Eyes

A study published in this week’s issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology found that eating a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids lowers an adult’s risk of developing macular degeneration by 38 percent.

Salmon, walnuts and flax seed are known for their high levels of omega 3 fatty acids.

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Study: Smoking Causes Brain Damage

It should come as no surprise that smoking tobacco increases a person’s risk of death, however, a new study is demonstrating the effect on smokers’ brains.

Testing done on patients in London showed that smokers between the ages of 35 and 55 had more memory deficiencies than non-smokers. The group of smokers also experienced diminished language and vocabulary skills.

Researchers uncovered a bit of encouraging information for smokers. They found that smokers who kicked the habit saw those language and vocabulary skills become stronger.