We’ve all heard about the importance of vitamin D in keeping our bones and teeth healthy, but studies are reporting more and more links between vitamin D and several other aspects of good health. That’s the good news. The bad news, however is that research is finding that 85-90% of us are vitamin D deficient. This can be due to a lack of sun exposure, particularly in winter, reduced intake of vitamin D rich foods and supplements, and aging (as we age we have a reduced ability to absorb, synthesize, and mobilize vitamin D).  This is a relatively new area to be explored and much more research is under way, but here are some exciting findings of what vitamin D has been linked to thus far:

1.     Decreases risk of cancer, especially breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. It also curbs the growth of new blood vessels, which could inhibit cancers from spreading.

2.     Maintains a healthy immune system and hormonal balance by working to regulate the building up and breaking down of body tissue.

3.     Linked to lowering the risk of diabetes.

4.     Weight loss: Several studies have shown people with higher levels of vitamin D have a leaner body mass.

5.     Improves cardiovascular health and decreased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events by decreasing inflammation. It has also been linked to lowering blood pressure.

6.     May lower the risk of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and autoimmune thyroid disease because of powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

7.     Helps to prevent falls and fractures. Vitamin D receptors have been found on fast-twitch muscle fibers. These are used when you have to quickly react and stop yourself from losing your balance and falling.

8.     Less risk of developing osteoporosis if our mothers had adequate levels of vitamin D during pregnancy.

9.     Vitamin D taken with calcium significantly reduces risk of bone loss as we age.

10.  Vitamin D with calcium helped to control some symptoms of PMS such as anxiety and irritability.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include muscle pain, weak bones/fractures, low energy and fatigue, difficulty sleeping, depression and mood swings. If you have kidney problems or intestinal issues such as IBS you may also be at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to poor conversion or absorption in the body.

Since there are several courses of action to increasing vitamin D levels, it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor. Increasing sun exposure (early a.m. is the best since the sun is least damaging), increasing intake of vitamin D rich foods like mackerel, sardines and egg yolks, and taking vitamin D supplements are all options. Too much vitamin D can be toxic, especially if taken orally so be sure to have your levels checked with a simple blood test your doctor can run before making changes in your vitamin D intake. If you would like more information on the health of your digestive system, feel free to contact us. Through a series of questionnaires and health history, we can determine if diet and lifestyle changes or lab testing would be beneficial to you. As always, feel free to contact us for more information or for a complimentary phone or in person consultation.

Dorothy Lizak

Nutrition & Wellness Specialist

References:

http://www.womentowomen.com/healthynutrition/vitamind.aspx

Nutrition Action: From Sun & Sea. November 2009

Photo: thank you to http://www.hawaiisunshine.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/sunshine1.jpg