April 30, 2009 – 6:18 am
Vitamin D has been in the news lately and here are some interesting tidbits of information on this vital nutrient that we like to share. In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [88(6): 1519-1527, 2008], researchers found that the vitamin D levels in male subjects was abnormally low. Researcher Anne C. Looker, PhD, of the National Center for Health Statistics found that over the last fifteen to twenty years, men’s vitamin D levels are lower by seven to twelve percent. The researchers for this study compared serum vitamin D level data gathered from18,000 subjects in 1988 to 1994 with that of 21,000 subjects gathered in 2000 to 2004. The data used in this study came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
Researchers attribute this decline in vitamin D levels to a decrease in milk consumption, the increased use of sunscreens, and changes in the body mass index (indicating an increase in obesity). One surprising observation was that vitamin D values for women were not significantly different between the surveys.
So, based on the results of this study it is a good idea to have your vitamin D level tested to ensure that you aren’t lacking this critical nutrient. This concern is not just limited to men, however. Women and children often experience low vitamin D levels and need to be tested to determine if corrective actions are needed.
Vitamin D Sources
The two types of vitamin D needed by adults and children are ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is made by plants and vitamin D3 is made by the human body when UVB rays from the sun hit the skin. Both vitamin D2 and D3 aid with calcium and phosphorus absorption from the food taken into the body. Proper absorption of these vital nutrients play a major role in building and maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Sources of vitamin D include: fatty fish (such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines) and fortified milk, juices, and cereal. Eggs, cheese, and beef also contain smaller amounts of vitamin D. Nutritional vitamin D supplements are another good source when the diet may be lacking or during the winter months when sunlight exposure is limited. Simply exposing the skin to natural sunlight ten to twenty minutes a day can provide dramatic results.
Are You Deficient?
A simple blood test can be used to determine if one is deficient in vitamin D. If so, supplementation may solve the deficiency, but further testing may be advisable to ensure there isn’t a more serious underlying problem. A deficiency of vitamin D can cause several problems. The most common problem is weak, brittle bones, which can lead to fractures. Unhealthy bones do not heal as fast or as well as normal bones. Other problems such as thyroid disease, asthma, heart failure, diabetes, and stroke have been linked to vitamin D deficiency.
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