Going by the findings of a new study by researchers at the University of Warwick, high levels of vitamin D can bring about a 43 percent reduction in the risk that elderly people face of developing 'cardiometabolic' disorders - which include cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Essentially a fat-soluble vitamin which is produced when the sun's ultraviolet rays strike the skin, Vitamin D is a natural ingredient in some foods and fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel. In addition, vitamin D can also be procured as a dietary supplement.

For the study, the researchers undertook a comprehensive analysis of as many as 28 studies, which included 99,745 participants - men and women - from different ethnic groups.

It was found that, as compared to low vitamin D levels, high levels of the vitamin can result in 33 percent reduction in the risk of developing heart disease; 55 percent reduction Type 2 diabetes; and 51 percent reduction metabolic syndrome.

Noting that the research largely focused at naturally-occurring vitamin D, instead of supplements, the study co-author Dr Johanna Parker, said: "Most - 90% - of your vitamin D comes from sunshine so we recommend sensible sun exposure in the summer. People should expose themselves for 30 minutes twice a week - this means exposing the face and arms with no sunscreen."