A review of 28 previous medical studies that included nearly 100,000 people has found that high levels of vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Researchers at Warwick Medical School in the United Kingdom say their analysis found that there is a significant association between high levels of vitamin D in middle-aged and elderly people, and a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (33 percent compared to low levels of vitamin D), type 2 diabetes (55 percent reduction) and metabolic syndrome (51 percent reduction).

"Targeting vitamin D deficiency in adult populations could potentially slow the current epidemics of cardiometabolic disorders," said the study’s co-author, Dr. Oscar Franco.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods and is also produced when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.

Healthcare experts say it is important in fighting several medical conditions such as cancer and osteoporosis.

Vitamin D is available in nutritional supplement form as well as in dietary sources like dairy products, fortified cereals, and fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel.