Researchers from the University of Colorado Denver say insufficient amounts of vitamin D appear to increase the risk of death in adults over 73.

Reuters reports the findings appearing in theJournal of the American Geriatrics Society suggest that low levels of the vitamin can be linked to an increased risk of death in the elderly, particularly of heart disease.

The research found those with the lowest levels of vitamin D had an 83 percent chance of death compared to those with higher levels of the vitamin.

Dr. Adit Ginde, from the University of Colorado Denver, tells Reuters that recommendations for the vitamin in adults over 65 appear to be inadequate. He says the research proves more studies are needed to determine the effects of higher-dose vitamin D supplementation.

Vitamin D is found in foods like milk, fish and eggs as well as cod liver oil and nutritional supplements. It is also produced in the body after exposure to the sun. It is believed that as little as 10 minutes of daily sun exposure is enough to prevent deficiencies.