JAMIESON EXPERTISE

VITAMIN D: still shining bright.

Jul 26, 2011     Posted by: Dr. Sara Henderson ND

Research surrounding this superstar vitamin never ceases to amaze us. Vitamin D is necessary when it comes to maintaining good health and preventing disease. Numerous studies support that vitamin D3 can help reduce the risk of many common and chronic diseases by up to 60%. It has been deemed a major player when it comes to preventing and addressing: osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, depression, upper respiratory tract infections, obesity, autoimmune disease, diabetes and cancer. In fact, new research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition concludes that, “vitamin D sensitive diseases account for more than half of global mortality rate”.

Numerous studies support that vitamin D3 can help reduce the risk of many common and chronic diseases by up to 60%.

Although vitamin D’s fame is far from new, the population as a whole is still deficient in this crucial nutrient. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin with the aid of ultraviolet (UV) light. One would expect that a sun-filled summer would ensure optimal levels of this nutrient. Unfortunately, as we bathe in sun block and cover up to avoid exposure to cancer causing UV rays - we prevent our bodies from making vitamin D. As well, with the population increasing in age and toxins accumulating in our world, we see an increase in liver and kidney ailments. The health of these organs is crucial for the production of 1, 25 dihydroxycholecalciferol – the most active form of vitamin D. What about diet? Although vitamin D is found in fortified milk, egg yolks and cold-water fish, we do not eat enough of these foods to achieve adequate nutrient status.

The Institute of medicine (IOM) currently recommends, 600 IU per day with an upper level intake of 4000 IU daily. Considering the body of research, taking 2000 IU per day is great way to increase vitamin D in the blood. 

A good quality vitamin D3 supplement is necessary to ensure optimal levels and beneficial health effects. The Institute of medicine (IOM) currently recommends, 600 IU per day with an upper level intake of 4000 IU daily. Considering the body of research, taking 2000 IU per day is a great way to increase vitamin D in the blood. Remember to consult your health care practitioner for testing and individual dose recommendations. As positive research continues, we may see a resultant increase in IOM’s daily recommendation.
 
Dr. William B Grant states that increasing vitamin D levels is the “most cost effective way to reduce global mortality rates”. Two, 1000 IU vitamin D3 tablets cost a consumer roughly $0.15 per day. This is a miniscule price to pay to prevent chronic, debilitating and fatal diseases that are costing consumers and our health care system billions of dollars. Just think 15 cents a day can make the world a healthier place. 

Click to read more about this study from the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.