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The Critical Need For Vitamin D
 

Did you know that Vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies!? The recommended daily intake of Vitamin D was set at 400 IU about half a century ago on the basis of it’s ability to prevent rickets. Bruce Hollis, professor of paediatrics, biochemistry, and molecular biology at the medical University of South Carolina stated that “At that level vitamin D does absolutely nothing.”

            The importance of vitamin D is well known, but what is not well known is how much vitamin D intake enough. It is important to note that Vitamin D is not really a vitamin at all, but a hormone. It is made in our skin, and from there it gets activated into our body. Exposure to sunlight is the ideal avenue for intake, but dermatologists caution melanoma. Natural sources from food include saltwater fish such as herring, salmon, sardines and fish liver. Milk is fortified with 100 IU per 8 ounce cup.

 

More than 90% of patients with chronic pain are deficient in Vitamin D, according to a recent study published by the Mayo Clinic



            Scientists are revealing that the body needs a much greater amount. Scientific evidence from clinical studies, specifically in the last 5 years, are suggesting that the physiological requirement of D may be as high 4000 IU. This is less than half the 10,000 IU produced endogenously w/ full sun exposure. The aged research

                   

 

recommending dangerously low doses of D was based on a society that spent more time outdoors, wore less clothes, and didn’t use sun block, which inhibits vitamin D production. 

 

The recent studies by Al Faraj (2003), Vieth, Chan and McFarland (2001), and Heaney et al (2003) all used daily doses of 4,000 IU per day or more with no evidence of adverse side effects.

 

D has a well established role in calcium homeostasis and the maintenance of healthy bone. Recent research is linking deficiency with a much wider range of therapeutic applications, including but not limited to;

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cancer
       high blood pressure

?       heart disease

?       osteoporosis

?       MS

?       Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

            Vitamin D’s role in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases are promising. We are clearly on the verge of a paradigm shift in our understanding of clinical use and critical need of this important nutrient/ hormone modulator. Supplementation can be the most potent, simple and least expensive way to intervene if you suffer from any of the above problems.

            Please also remember that recovering from any of the above conditions is rarely ever related to one simple factor. Although normalizing your vitamin D level is a vitally important step in the right direction. It is also always important to normalize insulin levels and modify your diet according to your personal needs under the supervision of a practitioner.