There has been a lot of talk about the benefits of vitamin D in the media and in health professional journals. It has become the most talked about vitamin (dietary supplement) and has probably joined or surpassed the ranks of other widely acclaimed dietary supplements such as vitamin E and ginkgo biloba. In addition to all the benefits (decrease risk of fractures and bone loss, help lower blood pressure, boost immune system) put forth, Vitamin D is important for bone health, as it aids the absorption of calcium.
One question is how do you get enough of vitamin D? It isn’t usually found in natural foods. Wild sockeye salmon will provide about 780 IU in a 3 oz. serving. Fortified foods provide small amounts of calcium. Many of us have followed the recommendation of dermatologists to lather on the sunscreen to protect the skin from the aging effects of the sun and to help prevent skin cancer. Although melanin provides some protection, it takes longer for the body to produce enough vitamin D in dark complexioned people, simply because of the color of our skin. Most people are indoors between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM, which is the best time of day to expose skin to ultra-violet B rays.
Although it takes very little sun for me to tan and burn, today I decided to not wear sunscreen (SPF 70) and let my body make some D. So, consider are we getting enough of this vitamin? Some folks say vitamin D is not a vitamin but rather a hormone. As a hormone, it is implicated as therapy for depression and weight loss. That school of thought can be another post!
Is 400 IU (International Units) enough for you? Or do you need 800, 1000 or 2000 IU. The first step is to determine if a deficiency exists. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D will measure blood levels of the vitamin. Another point of discussion has been which supplement is the most beneficial. Since all vitamin d is not equal what is the recommended choice of the supplement? D3 is the preferred choice as it is most like the D the body makes.
Although vitamin D therapy can increase blood levels there are some people who will continue to have insufficient levels. Give more thought to this vitamin and its proclaimed benefits and risks. Is Vitamin D a fad or is it here to stay? There will be more posts!
Will vitamin D fade into the sunset with new findings by scientists? Is vitamin D the end all, be all dietary supplement for you? Leave your comments below.
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