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Vitamin D Supplementation Linked to Reduced Heart Attack Risk; Other Health Developments Emerge
A new study revealed that Vitamin D supplementation could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, according to findings presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions on January 30, 2026. The "TARGET-D" randomized trial indicated a 52% lower risk of repeat heart attacks in participants who maintained Vitamin D blood levels within a target range of 40-80 ng/mL, according to Hacker News. This development is particularly relevant given that heart attacks are the leading cause of death globally, and an estimated one billion people worldwide are deficient in Vitamin D.
The TARGET-D study measured vitamin D blood levels every three months, adjusting vitamin D3 doses to keep participants within the target range, according to Hacker News. The study highlights the potential of a readily available and inexpensive intervention to combat a major health crisis.
In other health news, multiple sources reported on a variety of pressing issues. The United States issued an ultimatum to a vaccine group regarding the use of thimerosal, according to Time. The details of the ultimatum were not specified. Time also noted the negative impact of high-deductible health plans on cancer survival rates.
Separately, research from Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, published on Phys.org on January 30, 2026, shed light on the role of DNA repair in aging. The study found that the failure of the repair enzyme SPRTN in cultured cells leads to fatal errors in cell division, accelerating the aging process. The research highlighted how errors in chromosome distribution during cell division, such as distributing chromosomes to three daughter cell nuclei instead of two, can result from SPRTN failure.
Beyond medical research, cultural trends are also influencing health-related behaviors. Vox reported on January 30, 2026, that sardines are experiencing a surge in popularity among Gen Z, becoming a "cultural moment" akin to millennials' obsession with bacon in the 2010s. According to Vox, sardines are being touted as a cost-effective way to improve one's appearance.
The news also included the death of Catherine O'Hara. Time reported that the comedic actress died on Friday at the age of 71. O'Hara was known for her roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek". Time described her as a performer known for playing characters "at the end of their ropes or legends in their own unbalanced minds."
Additional health-related developments included Lindsey Vonn's knee injury before the Olympics and the increasing popularity of NAD supplements for anti-aging purposes, according to Time. The importance of Vitamin D production through sun exposure and dietary sources was also reiterated as a crucial aspect of overall health.
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