Awareness of vitamin D deficiency first appeared in the early part of the 20th century. It is described in medical writings as rickets. Vitamin D deficiency caused rickets which is a condition in which the body fails to mineralize bone. Due to actions to fortify milk and cereal with vitamin D caused rickets to become a relatively rare disease.
Exposure to the sun is critical to sufficient vitamin D and until modern times, human beings spent a great deal of time outdoors. Our species originated in the subtropical regions so we naturally got enough sun exposure to generate sufficient vitamin D, but as man migrated to less temperate climes this changed. The shift from a society that was based in agriculture to an increasingly industrialized society we spent more time indoors in factories and less time in the sun.
Today many of us work in buildings with glazed windows, we wear sun block and drive everywhere in cars. Our time spent outdoors in the sunlight is very limited and covered with sun screen lotion. Any sun block with an SPF above 8 will block the UV rays necessary for vitamin D conversion.
If you live in a region that runs from just below New York City west to northern California the sun is only strong enough to trigger the vitamin D conversion between May and September meaning a large percentage of the population is at risk much of the year for vitamin D deficiency. However just because you live in the northern portions of the continent that you are deficient. Visit with your Doctor, discuss your concerns and have your vitamin D levels tested before beginning a vitamin D supplemental program.
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms
Vitamin D deficiency is often characterized by muscle pain, weak bones/fractures, low energy, fatigue, lowered immunity, depression and sleep irregularities. Intestinal concerns such as IBS, renal problems and Crohn’s disease may caused by a vitamin D deficiency, they can neither absorb nor adequately convert the vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency is often characterized by muscle pain, weak bones/fractures, low energy, fatigue, lowered immunity, depression and sleep irregularities. Intestinal concerns such as IBS, renal problems and Crohn’s disease may caused by a vitamin D deficiency, they can neither absorb nor adequately convert the vitamin D.
As we age, our bodies slowly lose the ability to utilize vitamin D properly and a process that lowers our calcium absorption rates occurs. This creates a higher risk of osteoporosis, particularly in post-menopausal women.
Researchers are not sure how sex hormones affect vitamin D conversion however females seem to have a harder time stimulating the mechanism that builds bone tissue when their estrogen levels are reduced.Calcium is clearly an important co-factor to vitamin D and may lose efficacy if vitamin D is deficient or estrogen levels are low as vitamin D appears to be a critical factor in bone health.
Vitamin D and weight loss
Have you seen the new television commercials launched by the American Dairy Council? Some studies have shown that weight loss does occur with an increase in calcium intake, while others appear to refute this. Since vitamin D is directly involved in calcium absorption, it stands to reason that vitamin D is also a factor in how the body regulates weight.
Have you seen the new television commercials launched by the American Dairy Council? Some studies have shown that weight loss does occur with an increase in calcium intake, while others appear to refute this. Since vitamin D is directly involved in calcium absorption, it stands to reason that vitamin D is also a factor in how the body regulates weight.
Moreover, people who have a reduced capacity to mobilize vitamin D often weigh more and have more body fat than those with full capacity. In the past 20 years multiple studies have shown a correlation between higher blood levels of vitamin D and leaner body mass.
Vitamin D and cancer
Evidence is mounting that vitamin D may protect against some cancers, particularly breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancers. In fact, over 60 years of research have shown vitamin D supplementation or sunlight-induced vitamin D conversion to be associated with lower incidence of cancers.
Evidence is mounting that vitamin D may protect against some cancers, particularly breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancers. In fact, over 60 years of research have shown vitamin D supplementation or sunlight-induced vitamin D conversion to be associated with lower incidence of cancers.
Ways to prevent Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency may be prevented or treated by following a few simple guidelines. Eating a healthy diet he best way to protect yourself from any deficiency however often times even the most well thought out diet is lacking in some nutrients due to the source, freshness or method by which your food is processed. There is a controversy over whether our primary source of vitamin D should be the sun, diet, or supplements. Which combination is best for you depends on many variables, including your age, nutritional status, and geographic location. In a world where so many of us are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, we recognize each of these sources as valuable.
Vitamin D deficiency may be prevented or treated by following a few simple guidelines. Eating a healthy diet he best way to protect yourself from any deficiency however often times even the most well thought out diet is lacking in some nutrients due to the source, freshness or method by which your food is processed. There is a controversy over whether our primary source of vitamin D should be the sun, diet, or supplements. Which combination is best for you depends on many variables, including your age, nutritional status, and geographic location. In a world where so many of us are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, we recognize each of these sources as valuable.
Eat a diet rich in whole foods and complex carbohydrates. Nutrient-dense, fatty fish like mackerel and sardines are good sources of vitamin D. Eggs, dairy products, and some organ meats (like liver) are good natural sources of Vitamin D.
Supplementation should include a top-quality multivitamin every day to fill any nutritional gaps in your diet. Your supplement should have a minimum dose of 200 IU of vitamin D but to safe it should not exceed 1000 IU. I highly recommend VitaDaily AM/PM™.
VitaDaily AM/PM™ is not your typical vitamin. TriVita has added whole food concentrates to an already complete multivitamin formula for super nourishment and easy absorption. Organic fruits and vegetables add extra antioxidant protection.
Allow yourself limited, unprotected sun exposure in the early morning and late afternoon but no more than 15 minutes per day if you have a light complexion and no more than 40 minutes if you have darker skin. This is particularly important between the months of May and September if you live in northern regions.
If you think you may be suffering from vitamin D deficiency, you should see your Dr and have your blood tested. This is especially important for women over 50. Vitamin D may be one of the key elements that is an important part of maintaining optimum health.
RH Sterling
Case Statement Copywriter
570.972.1245
Skype: rhsterling
Case Statement Copywriter
570.972.1245
Skype: rhsterling
"Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value." Albert Einstein
