Vitamin D Revisited

Although I have spoken about Vitamin D a few blogs ago I feel it is important to revisit again the importance of taking Vitamin D.

Most of us learned Vitamin D is essential in maintaining healthy bones. But did you also know that research over the last 10 years have demonstrated that Vitamin D is important for your overall health?

Studies have shown that a lack of Vitamin D (or Vitamin D deficiency) is seen in many chronic diseases.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and helps regulate calcium absorption, bone and cell metabolism.

What is the best source of Vitamin D?

Actually 90% comes form the sun. We also can get Vitamin D from oily fish and supplements.

According to Alternative Medicine Review 2005; 10(2): 94-111 sources of Vitamin D can come from fish (fatty, cold ocean) which serves 100-500 IU (International Units); and, milk and orange juice serves 400 IU/quart.

You can purchase supplements from 200-1000 IU per pill.

Okay but how much should I take?

According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine between the ages of 0-50 you should take 200 IU/day; ages 51-70 should take 400 IU/day and greater than age 70 should take 600 IU/day.

Please understand that some people might have to take more depending on their genetic predisposition, past and current health status.

The next time you are seeing your doctor and getting blood work performed ask to have your Vitamin D levels assessed. You want to make sure your levels are midlevel and not low on the reference range.

And as always stay healthy and happy!