Vitamin D in our bodies comes from exposure to sunlight and from our diets. Having a sufficient amount of vitamin D in our blood stream is important for maintaining healthy bones, and there is some evidence that it might also reduce the risks of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and some cancers, but this is uncertain. To understand fully the effects of increasing blood levels of vitamin D through supplements, the QIMR Berghofer Institute has instigated the D-Health Trial which aims to recruit 25,000 Australians aged between 60 and 84; so far 5,000 people have joined the project.

The Queensland Institute of Medical Research was established in 1945 by the Queensland government. In 2013 it was renamed QIMR Berghofer to acknowledge a donation of more than $50 million by Clive Berghofer, a Toowoomba-based philanthropist. To find out more about the research being undertaken by the Institute go to www.dhealth.qimrberghofer.edu.au. If you would like to take part in the trial call 1300 735 920 or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .