Vitamin D and Your Health

Vitamin D, known as the Sunshine Vitamin, is extremely important to the health of our bodies. According to recent reports in the news, new research and studies have shown that we need more of this valuable vitamin, especially as we age. Let us look at the research and the demands our bodies make for this nutrient.

It has been known for a long time that our bodies can manufacture vitamin D from exposure to the sun. If one lives in a southern state such as Florida, Texas, or California, generally you may not need to supplement vitamin D at all. If you sport a tan as a result of your environment, it is generally believed you would manufacture enough vitamin D within your own body.

However, new research indicates that the elderly may not be able to manufacture this vitamin in the body as well as one did in younger years. Elderly people may need to supplement vitamin D. People in Northern states need to supplement vitamin D since there is not enough sunshine generally to allow the body to manufacture vitamin D.

Vitamin D nourishes muscles and the nervous system. It also activates the release of calcium and phosphorus into the bloodstream which in turn keeps our bones healthy and strong. Vitamin D is essential in order to have strong bones. It was also learned back in 1965 that our muscles need vitamin D as much as our bones.

It has been well established that people over fifty are more susceptible to bone fractures due to the bone thinning disease known as osteoporosis. As we age our skin’s has less ability to produce vitamin D as well as our kidneys’ have a harder time converting the vitamin into a useable form. Bones may become demineralized for lack of calcium and vitamin D in the diet. The result is osteoporosis. A diet rich in tuna, sardines, salmon, butter, egg yolks and fortified milk may give the body enough vitamin D. We may get enough vitamin D from the sun. How do we know if we are getting adequate amounts of this much needed supplements? You may be tested by your health care provider to see if you need vitamin D. Then supplementation will ensure you are getting enough of vitamin D.

The Archives of Internal Medicine estimates in the United States population as much as seventy-five percent of our population are not getting enough vitamin D. Many doctors these days are recommending vitamin D and other supplements to the elderly patients who are not getting adequate amounts of this valuable vitamin.

In recent times a Swedish study found that there may be a connection to diabetes when vitamin D is lacking in the diet. All men in the study had low levels of vitamin D. The connection to the men in the study to diabetes, was all men had higher insulin resistance, higher triglyceride fat levels and higher blood pressure. The former are all indicators of Type2 or adult onset diabetes. There are other diseases which may result from lack of vitamin D.

In a recent Harvard study heart attacks were less frequent in men who had adequate vitamin D in their bodies. The study involved 18,000 men and went on for fifteen years. The men most at risk were the ones with the least amount of vitamin D. Tooth loss, colorectal cancer, hip fractures and muscle strength have been shown in other studies to respond to vitamin D supplementation.

Another study done by Bess Dawson-Hughes, MD at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts indicates adults need more vitamin D than is recommended by the RDA. In Dr. Dawson-Hughes lab at Human Nutrition Research Center a two year study was completed. Twice as much bone was lost from the hips of women given the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin D as the women who received 800IU of vitamin D per day. The conclusion is that one should consider taking vitamin D supplements if you do not make an effort to get vitamin D through your diet. The same goes for adequate sunshine.

Check with your health care provider and discuss what your needs may be for vitamin D.

This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat in any way. Until next time I am wishing for you - good health.

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Eva is a graduate of the American Institute of Holistic Theology and practices as a Doctor of Naturology. You may reach her at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com

This information is not meant to diagnose, treat or prescribe in any way.