Can vitamin D help prevent certain cancers and other diseases such as type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain autoimmune and chronic diseases? To answer these questions and more, UCSD School of Medicine and GrassrootsHealth bring you this innovative series on vitamin D deficiency. Join nationally recognized experts as they discuss the latest research and its implications. In this program, Michael Holick, MD, discusses vitamin D relating to bone and muscle health and the prevention of autoimmune and chronic diseases. Series: Vitamin D Deficiency – Treatment and Diagnosis [3/2009] [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 15773]
In order to explain and understand vitamin D deficiency, one needs to necessarily refer to the regular functions of this vitamin within the system. It basically ensures the proper maintenance of the organs by the regulation of the calcium and the phosphorus levels in the blood.
Bone formation and mineralization are also closely connected with vitamin D, therefore, the development of a healthy skeleton is not possible if the vitamin D intake is not satisfactory. Hence, we can easily draw the consequences of the vitamin D deficiency. Bone softening, osteoporosis and improper functioning of the liver and the kidneys are the most common problems that are likely to appear when not enough vitamin D is processed in the system.
There are two main causes identified as lying behind regular vitamin D deficiency, and they include improper intake and little exposure to sunlight. The latter element has a crucial role in the metabolic processing and the absorption of vitamin D, therefore, it is highly important to ensure proper sun exposure during the summer months. Scientific research has recently revealed a connection between colon cancer and vitamin D deficiency, not to mention that other possible malign tumor development is suspected in relation with the same deficiency.
The first measure taken for the prevention of vitamin D deficiency was the fortification of certain foods with this vitamin as it was the case with dairy products. Rickets as a major health problem resulting from vitamin D deficiency was drastically reduced following such measures. The next question one may ask concerns the group of people most likely to be affected by vitamin D deficiency. Children, the elderly and overweight people are among the groups with the highest risks, as vitamin D absorption may be deficient for such cases. Furthermore, doctors often supplement the diet of patients with the parathyroid glands removed, as they are also likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiency.
The importance of sunscreens is definitely undeniable, but what most people don’t really know is that the production of vitamin D in the skin is inhibited almost completely when a cream or lotion with a sun protection factor is used. Therefore, in order to cover both health aspects, it is advisable to take some form of vitamin D supplements during the period you may be using sunscreens. Another time of the year when vitamin deficiencies are likely to occur is the cold season, when sun exposure is close to zero, and the production of vitamin D drops significantly.
By: Muna wa Wanjiru
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Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Vitamins for Years. For More Information on Vitamin D deficiency, Visit His Site at VITAMIN D DEFICIENCYI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On Vitamin D deficiency At My Blog here Vitamin D Deficiency
Perspective on Vitamin D
There are a variety of opinions on vitamin D, including one that is fairly negative. However, in good science, the best outcomes are achieved if we are open minded enough to look at all possible vectors. I agree that vitamin D is an important nutrient. … Just look at the rates of osteoporosis and other calcium related health problems for starters. Look at the history of health as it relates to sun exposure that was established as long ago as 2500 BC.
Supplements for Vitamin D?
No one should really ignore the importance of vitamin D in our body because that could trigger osteoporosis, cancer, memory problems, and cardiovascular diseases. What’s the best vitamin D in town? There are actually two of them [...]
There’s something about vitamin D
Besides its effect on the brain, vitamin D can also be a factor in sustaining other healthy organs. Vitamin D is a key component in calcification, which strengthens bone tissue and prevents osteoporosis. Also, when the vitamin attaches [...]
Liver Health and Osteoporosis
When united, the following six suggestions can optimize bone health and help prevent osteoporosis:. 1. Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D 2. Taking a well-formulated supplement to support bone health [...]
Low vitamin D linked to higher risk of dementia
In adults, it is said vitamin D deficiency may precipitate or exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamin D, Calcium and Osteoporosis Prevention
Vitamin D is essential to the absorption of calcium. A deficiency of calcium can lead to Osteoporosis, a disabling bone disease. These nutritional supplements contain significant amounts of Vitamin D and Calcium.
Winter Sun Makes it Difficult to Get Essential Vitamin D Naturally
Among a very long list of benefits associated with Vitamin D are prevention and treatment of : infections and inflammation, cancer prevention, depression and neurological disorders, cold and flu, diabetes, osteoporosis [...]
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The latest data links Vitamin D deficiency with a wide range of diseases. Vitamin D deficiencies are very common, particularly in northern climates. Lack of sunshine, wearing clothing, and use of sunscreens inhibits the natural creation of Vitamin D in the skin.
Do you know what your Vitamin D levels are?
Having optimal Vitamin D levels is a simple and inexpensive health change that can affect a:
78% reduction in type1 diabetes in children
33% reduction in type 2 diabetes
72% reduction in number of falls in the elderly
42% reduction in multiple sclerosis in women
And those without adequate Vitamin D levels are at risk for:
200% increase in type 1 diabetes in children
30-50% more cancers
Optimal levels of Vitamin D result in a 77% reduction in cancer incidence.
Life Extension Foundation Research shows that achieving adequate Vitamin D levels in the US population could prevent as many as of all cancers in as little as four years.
Research also reveals that 275,00 American lives could be saved each year if a nationwide program to get adequate vitamin D levels was implemented.
Low levels of Vitamin D have been identified as a ‘health crisis emergency’. Everything should be done to ensure that everyone achieves optimal Vitamin D status.
Because of convincing evidence of benefit and the strong evidence of safety, we urge those who have the ability to support public health – the media, vitamin manufacturers, and policy makers – to undertake new initiatives that will have a realistic chance of making a difference in terms of vitamin D nutrition.’ –American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
A review article in the July 19, 2007 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine documents that those with less than optimal Vitamin D levels have increase incidence of: Autoimmune diseases Osteoarthritis Depression Hypertension Pulmonary disorders Schizophrenia Cardiovascular diseases
In addition, low levels of Vitamin D have been related to:
Osteoporosis
muscle weakness
Hypothyroidism
Non-specific musculoskeletal pain
Chronic low back pain
Fibromyalgia
Stroke
Between 40-100% of elderly people in the US and Europe have insufficient or deficient levels of Vitamin D. Even children and young adults who supplement with 400 IU of Vitamin D and consume Vitamin D rich foods can be low in Vitamin D.
And don’t count on sunlight exposure to increase your vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D levels can remain low in some people despite abundant exposure to sunlight. 51% of individuals who had a mean of 11.1 hours per week of total body skin exposure with no sunscreen used still remained low in Vitamin D levels. Tanned skin loses its ability to manufacture Vitamin D and as we age our ability to convert vitamin D in the skin becomes further diminished.
Your Vitamin D status can be assessed by having your blood tested. Vitamin D testing identifies Vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of numerous health problems. Further testing monitors Vitamin D levels during supplementation to ensure adequate levels are achieved and protects against possible overdosing and toxicity.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that the ‘minimum Vitamin D blood levels needed to reduce disease risk is 30 ng/mL’ and that it is rare for members of the US population to achieve this.
To account for the significant individual dose response variability, an optimal strategy is to achieve a serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) level of around 60 ng/mL. Depending on your current vitamin D levels you may need to take up to 5,000 IU or more of Vitamin D to achieve this optimal disease prevention level.
The good news is that Vitamin D is inexpensive. That’s why testing for Vitamin D will never be popularized by the media – because there is no expensive drug to push.
It is important to remember that it is the amount of Vitamin D in the blood that determines disease risk – not the amount of Vitamin D consumed. Excess fat in the body can lock up Vitamin D and prevent utilization.
Until recently, a test for Vitamin D levels meant a trip to the doctor and a blood draw. But now, a few drops of blood from a quick and nearly painless prick of the finger with a few spots of blood placed on special collection paper are all that is needed. This can be done at home. It’s convenient, quick and suitable for all populations from pediatric to the elderly.
Your blood spot sample is sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. You’ll have accurate results in just a few days.
Blood spot testing ensures that you achieve optimal levels of Vitamin D and avoid the multiple risks associated with low Vitamin D levels.
Copyright (c) 2008 Mary Ann Copson
By: Mary Ann Copson
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Mary Ann Copson is a Certified Licensed Nutritionist; Certified Holistic Health Practitioner; Brain Chemistry Profile Clinician; and a Health, Wellness and Lifestyle Coach. Find the Vitamin D Blood Spot Test and more at evenstaronline.com/FunctionalTests
Vitamin D benefits in diabetes
Many of the 23 million Americans with diabetes have low vitamin D levels. Evidence suggests that vitamin D plays an integral role in insulin sensitivity and secretion.
Is Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Hypertension?
Studies have shown that a Vitamin D deficiency in conjunction with hypertension makes an individual twice as likely to suffer from a cardiac event (stroke, heart attack, etc.)
Vitamin D & diabetes?
Finally, the assessment and suggested treatment for vitamin D deficiency is addressed. Effective detection and treatment of inadequate vitamin D concentrations in persons with diabetes or those at risk for diabetes may [...]
Antidepressant Effect of Vitamin D?
Even if it did say something about causation, it would not necessarily imply anything about treatment. Young points out that most research on the potential antidepressant effect of Vitamin D supplementation is not very helpful. … As Razib pointed out a while ago, vitamin D deficiency is common among non-white persons in Canada. Perhaps that is where some of the interest comes from.
Vitaminn D benefits in diabetes
Many of the 23 million Americans with diabetes have low vitamin D levels. Evidence suggests that vitamin D plays an integral role in insulin sensitivity and secretion.
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