Vitamin D: A Silent Epidemic

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http://www.naturemade.com/Resource-Center/Articles-and-Videos/Heart-Health/Vitamin-D-Deficiency-A-Silent-Epidemic

A deficiency of Vitamin D is something that plagues up to 40% of Americans over 50. While Vitamin D is plentiful in many dairy products, and our own bodies manufacture it while exposed to sunlight, decreased consumption of milk and lack of exposure to sunlight as we age has led to an increased deficiency in adults.

Vitamin D is Calcium’s little buddy. It helps your body absorb calcium in the blood stream, which is vital to maintaining bone strength and tooth health. Calcium without Vitamin D is insoluble, and cannot be absorbed by the body. Vitamin D develops strong bones and teeth, and if we suffer from a deficiency of it we are more prone to fractures and cavities.

Geography and weight also play a role in your body’s level of Vitamin D. Even if with normal sun exposure you do make enough Vitamin D, in the fall and winter months you might not be making enough because of lack of sunlight. There’s an enzyme under the skin that is converted by sunlight to manufacture Vitamin D--much like a plant that already contains chlorophyll, but needs sunlight to help convert it into food.

People who are medically obese are also at a risk for Vitamin D deficiencies. Because of the extra fat beneath the skin, the enzymes that sunlight converts are not as easily reached. For this reason, people who are 20% heavier than their normal weight range should supplement their diet with Vitamin D to make sure their body is receiving enough of this essential nutrient. The recommended level which adult men and women should receive is 400 IU a day.

yodacho

I had my blood work done a year ago, and found I was totally Vitamin D deficient. I took the daily dose, had it checked six months later, and found I was only getting 25% of what I needed. I now take quite a bit under a doctor's supervision, and it's amazing how much better I feel. I didn't feel emotionally "depressed", but I was exhausted all the time and felt yucko. I think there are links between Vitamin D deficiency and certain cancers, MS, and all sorts of things. My oldest sister who lives in Texas was also deficient. Everyone, especially in the Pacific NW, get yours checked!

skyls

Low levels of vitamin D have also been linked to breast cancer . Get your vitamin D in people!

Pebble321

I've heard a lot about Vitamin D lately and I really don't know if it is a major problem or if it the vitamin manufacturers trying to charge us money for something that you can get for free just by going out in the sunshine (I know not everybody has sunshine all year, but most people get some at least).
Or am I just being cycnical?

Edited to add: does anybody know if articles like this are making it into the medical jounals or are they mostly appearing on vitamin manufacturer's websites (like the article cited above)?

godblessourhome

I've heard a lot about Vitamin D lately and I really don't know if it is a major problem or if it the vitamin manufacturers trying to charge us money for something that you can get for free just by going out in the sunshine (I know not everybody has sunshine all year, but most people get some at least).
Or am I just being cycnical?

most people wear a high spf factor when outside (gotta protect yourself against skin cancer) and it blocks the body from producing the vitamin d naturally. it is huge problem in school-aged kids.

Nana_Anne

I did not know vitamin D was important. I moved to the city to see new doctors. I recieved an urgent call from her office after my blood test. I was expecting to hear it on cholesteral.....she said I only had a trace of vitamin D and I needed to pick up my perscription that night. We have been working over three months on this and I am still at 30....I need to be 50-80. Due to my head injury and seizures I am unable to tolerate being in the sun for very long. So I wear hats or sit in the shade. And I live in the PNW!
Since learning about vitamin D I would suggest anyone who is haveing labs done to ask thier doctor to test your level.
Vitamin D is also fat soluble (not water) so taking high supplements can result in a toxicity. I take 2000IU daily ONLY under doctors orders. Vitamin D toxicity is severe, kidney failure or kidney stones may develop so you need to know how much you need. IMHO I would consult your doctor before taking too many suppliments. Another culprit is using sunscreen (most say more then obesity). Places where there is sufficient sunlight the risk to skin cancer is greater. The research I have read all says to have blood test taken. The vitamin D supply from dairy would also be ladened with hormones and other chemicals unless you buy organic preferable local. Don't get me going on Monsanto and GMO. The FDA does have a warning out on giving Vitamin D drops to infants and children. The other thing to consider too is suppliments are NOT regulated. here is a link to an article where independant labs tested a variety of vitamins. Good story to read before you buy : )

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43429680/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/many-multivitamins-dont-have-nutrients-claimed-label/?fb_ref=story_header&fb_source=profile_oneline

Kristinemillar

Vitamin D is also very important for people with Psoriasis... Their bodies do not absorb as much calcium as others and the increase in Vitamin D goes a long way to help the skin condition. I'm presently having UVB therapy and the difference in my skin is amazing.

Every morning I take a multivitamin & iron tablet to ensure my body gets everything it needs.

sammybey

Edited to add: does anybody know if articles like this are making it into the medical jounals or are they mostly appearing on vitamin manufacturer's websites (like the article cited above)?

Medical journals. Search for articles by a Dr. Holick, he is a leading medical expert on vitamin D deficiency and its link to medical conditions such as diabetes, depression, etc etc etc! The list goes on and on.

(I am a clinical pharmacist who has researched this myself because I am deficient).