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!

Two Vitamins that Stand Out

James Meschino, D.C. wrote the following in the Dynamic Chiropractic (a trade journal for chiropractors)…

A recent article by Drs. A.S. Plant and G. Tisman published in Nutrition and Cancer, highlights the emerging evidence that links suboptimal nutritional status of vitamin B-12 and Vitamin D with increased risk of cancer.

Previous studies have shown that low serum levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) are associated with a higher frequency of at least 17 different malignancies, including breast, colon, and prostate, ovarian and other cancers

Vitamin B-12 deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Many consumers are confused about taking vitamins from not knowing which kind to take, what types to take and in what amounts. Sometimes if you go to a nutrition store and ask about vitamins you often purchase more than you need.

Many factors must be considered when purchasing vitamins such as whether you are male/female, old/young, current health status, genetic predisposition, your job, your lifestyle and your health goals.

Don’t fall for the latest cure-all. If you are going to spend your hard-earned money then spend it wisely and completely research your specific vitamin needs.

If you have any questions you can always e-mail me at micahel@frompaintopersonalgain.com