The Importance of Vitamin D
Harmony Health Acupuncture and Herbs
You've probably noticed the growing buzz over Vitamin D, long known as essential to calcium absorption and bone health.
But there appears to be more - much more - to this dietary mainstay. An increasing body of research points to Vitamin D's role as an important immune system builder, cell regulator and protector against obesity and disease, including various forms of cancer.
At least two of these issues are especially important to women: bone loss and breast cancer. Vitamin D deficiency is often present in both case.
Vitamin D is really a hormone, generated by sunlight and then transformed chemically in the body. Unfortunately, many people don't spend much time outdoors or eat Vitamin D-rich foods, such as certain types of fish (Cod, Salmon and Sardines), to get adequate amounts.
Bone loss is obviously a major concern due to the loss of estrogen. As far back as 1997, the National Academy of Sciences recommended combating osteoporosis with a combination of calcium and Vitamin D.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, "Studies show that people with low levels of vitamin D have lower bone density or bone mass. They are also more likely to break bones when they are older."
As for breast cancer, Vitamin D stimulated a tumor-suppressing protein, according to a 2009 study from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
And back in 2008, the American Cancer Society cited a University of Toronto study of 512 newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients. It showed that, "Women with the lowest levels of vitamin D (deficient) had nearly double the risk of their disease progressing, and a 73% greater risk of death compared to women with adequate vitamin D."
More practitioners - even conventional physicians - are advocating higher levels of Vitamin D, such as 1,000 IU/day or more. Current guidelines set by the National Academy of Sciences range from 200 IU/day for those under 50 to 600 IU/day for people 71 and older.
At least know if your levels meet the current minimum by getting a Vitamin D test. Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp perform them for a reasonable fee. Your insurance may cover them.
In the meantime, why not take steps to make sure you're getting enough? The best source is free: direct sunlight. It doesn't take a lot - about 15-30 minutes a day. So put on a hat and some sunscreen and do your health a favor.
You've probably noticed the growing buzz over Vitamin D, long known as essential to calcium absorption and bone health.
But there appears to be more - much more - to this dietary mainstay. An increasing body of research points to Vitamin D's role as an important immune system builder, cell regulator and protector against obesity and disease, including various forms of cancer.
At least two of these issues are especially important to women: bone loss and breast cancer. Vitamin D deficiency is often present in both case.
Vitamin D is really a hormone, generated by sunlight and then transformed chemically in the body. Unfortunately, many people don't spend much time outdoors or eat Vitamin D-rich foods, such as certain types of fish (Cod, Salmon and Sardines), to get adequate amounts.
Bone loss is obviously a major concern due to the loss of estrogen. As far back as 1997, the National Academy of Sciences recommended combating osteoporosis with a combination of calcium and Vitamin D.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, "Studies show that people with low levels of vitamin D have lower bone density or bone mass. They are also more likely to break bones when they are older."
As for breast cancer, Vitamin D stimulated a tumor-suppressing protein, according to a 2009 study from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
And back in 2008, the American Cancer Society cited a University of Toronto study of 512 newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients. It showed that, "Women with the lowest levels of vitamin D (deficient) had nearly double the risk of their disease progressing, and a 73% greater risk of death compared to women with adequate vitamin D."
More practitioners - even conventional physicians - are advocating higher levels of Vitamin D, such as 1,000 IU/day or more. Current guidelines set by the National Academy of Sciences range from 200 IU/day for those under 50 to 600 IU/day for people 71 and older.
At least know if your levels meet the current minimum by getting a Vitamin D test. Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp perform them for a reasonable fee. Your insurance may cover them.
In the meantime, why not take steps to make sure you're getting enough? The best source is free: direct sunlight. It doesn't take a lot - about 15-30 minutes a day. So put on a hat and some sunscreen and do your health a favor.
Comment
-
Comment by Josh Zimmer on January 14, 2010 at 6:43pm
-
Thanks, Doug.
-
Comment by Doug Ross on January 14, 2010 at 8:20am
-
Excellent piece, Josh. This is valuable information!
Badge
Birthdays
© 2025 Created by admin.
Powered by
You need to be a member of WQMag.com to add comments!
Join WQMag.com