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VITAMIN D
By Dr. Karen
Carbone
I’ve heard quite a bit about Vitamin D recently. How do I know if I am
getting enough?
Vitamin D has been a focus topic in both conventional and alternative
medicine circles recently. This is because studies have been done that
demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency is quite prevalent and is related to
many health concerns, such as cancer, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes,
immune function, and other chronic conditions.
Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin but is a precursor hormone; it is a
building block of a steroid hormone in the human body called calcitriol.
Vitamin D works along with other nutrients and hormones to facilitate
healthy bone renewal. Researchers have also discovered that vitamin D
promotes normal cellular growth to maintain hormonal balance and a strong
immune system.
The body does not create vitamin D on its own. Vitamin D is the sun
vitamin. It is manufactured through exposure to the sun. Your body can
make an ample supply of vitamin D with only a few hours per week of sun
exposure; provided the UVB rays are strong enough. Here is where the
Northwest in winter time falls woefully short. Vitamin D can also be taken
in by eating foods such as fortified dairy products, cod liver oil or wild
salmon.
Vitamin D Requirements
Currently the published RDA’s for vitamin D are as follows: Adults 19-50,
200 iu/day; adults 51-70, 400 iu/day; adults over 70, 600 iu/day. Recent
studies have shown that adults need 2,000-5,000 iu/day. Just recently the
RDA for children was increased from 200 to 400 iu/day.
The bioavailable (readily useable) forms of vitamin D are not necessarily
equal. A few moments of exposure to the sun can produce 10,000-15,000 IU of
vitamin D3 in the skin. The skin has a natural shut-off valve to prevent
overexposure build up of this fat soluble vitamin/hormone. When we ingest
vitamin D through diet or supplements, they enter the system through the
intestinal tract, thus bypassing the skin’s natural shut-off valve.
For those of us living above the 40th latitude, the sun is only
strong enough between May and September to trigger the vitamin D
conversion. Therefore, much of the year Whidbey Islanders are at
significant risk of vitamin D deficiency.
It is important to note that as we age we lose some of our ability to absorb
and synthesize vitamin D. Adequate vitamin D intake will have a positive
effect on bone density in perimenopausal and menopausal women. There is
also benefit to the bones of elderly people who are more prone to falls and
fractures.
There are ongoing studies to document the many mechanisms of vitamin D in
the body. Bottom line: Our bodies rely on a certain amount of vitamin D
and many of us aren’t getting enough. The only way to know whether you are
deficient in vitamin D is to ask your healthcare provider for a blood test.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
While vitamin D deficiency is often unnoticed to the individual, there are
several symptoms of which to be aware. They include muscle pain, low energy
and fatigue, depression, sleep irregularities, low bone density, lowered
immunity, and mood swings. Also, anyone with renal problems or intestinal
issues may be deficient in vitamin D because they are unable to absorb or
convert the nutrient.
My recommendation is to have your vitamin D level tested. Eat a diet rich
in whole foods with an emphasis on those containing, or fortified with,
vitamin D. Take a good multivitamin supplement as an insurance policy for
all dietary deficiencies, not just vitamin D. And, finally, consider
supplementing with vitamin D3 up to 2,000 IU per day.
From our Nature's Blend Vitamin
Line, the following strengths are available online for purchase:
400 IU |
1000 IU |
2000 IU
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