Vitamin D Gets its Day in the Sun
By Nancy Aaron | 128 views | 
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Are you “D”eficient? New studies coming out are showing that almost three out of five people are. Probably because it was assumed that enough Vitamin D would be synthesized in the skin via exposure to sunlight. But now, more and more people are getting less and less sun exposure. Even if we do get out in the sun, any sun screen with an SPF of 8 or higher blocks all Vitamin D synthesis. The problem gets worse as we age because the skin becomes much less efficient at manufacturing Vitamin D.
Without Vitamin D the body is only capable of absorbing 10 to 15% of all calcium consumed. The choice between getting out in the sun more (not even an option for those living in the top 1/3 of the country between October and March) or taking supplements is clear to the American Academy of Dermatologists. They say rising skin cancer rates mean Americans need to boost their Vitamin D through diet and supplements — not by spending more time in the sun. Increasing the recommended daily amounts of Vitamin D is the next step. The exact amount of Vitamin D people should be getting every day is still unclear, but 1,000 International Units per day is considered safe. The elderly or those with darker skin need higher levels.
In keeping up with the latest scientific findings, “Consumers’ Choice” has taken the steps to follow the research and has increased the Vitamin D level in the Nutrient Control Multivitamin - Mineral Tablet to 600 IU. This will ensure absorption of all 1,000 mg calcium (100% of RDA) in the Nutrient Control Tablet when two are taken with each meal (a total of 6 daily). Taking 2 tablets with each meal insures that all water soluble vitamins (many of which are depleted every 3 to 5 hours) are properly replenished. Also, our bodies will only absorb 300 to 500 mg of calcium at one time. “Consumers’ Choice” has been ahead of the curve by breaking up the calcium intake into two tablet servings (333 mg) at each meal so our systems will absorb all 1,000 mg-100%.
In Tufts University’s December 2007 “Guide to Living Healthier Longer,” strong evidence keeps adding up that Vitamin D is good for more than just strong bones.
“Now, people who take Vitamin D supplements appear to have a lower risk of death from any cause.”
According to Dr. Giovannucci, in an editorial accompanying a report of 18 published controlled trials, in the Archives of Internal Medicine, individuals supplementing Vitamin D intake had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality over an average follow-up of almost 6 years.
Vitamin D deficiencies might be associated with a higher risk of death from cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Vitamin D could also inhibit some mechanisms by which cancer cells proliferate, or it may boost the function of blood vessels or the immune system. Writings in Nutrition Reviews report that the cancer rates tend to fall with higher Vitamin D levels. The researchers estimated that at proper levels, 85,000 cases of breast cancer and 60,000 of colon cancer could be prevented annually in the United States.
Another reason for women to BONE up on calcium, according to the June 13, 2005 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, is that a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D may lower the risk of developing premenstrual symptoms (PMS). While previous studies have observed the benefits of calcium supplements for treating PMS, this is the first to suggest that calcium and Vitamin D may help prevent the initial development. And that is good news for husbands, too!
Tags: Calcium, Calcium Absorption, Cancer Risk, PMS, Premenstrual Symptoms, Sun Exposure, Sunlight, Supplements, Vitamin D
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