Vitamin D Levels - Research Shows Epidemic of Deficiency
by Contibuting Author Thomas Sparrow, D.C.
Vitamin D deficiency is emerging as one of the most significant contributors of increased disease risk to be identified in many years. There is mounting evidence to suggest the vitamin D deficiency is as severe a disease risk as smoking cigarettes. Heart disease, cancer, musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune disease have all been shown to be exacerbated by vitamin D deficiency. And for Americans and other industrialized populations the incidence and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is alarming.
According to the National Institutes of Heath, over 80 percent of all Americans have a vitamin D level (measured as 25-OH in the blood) below the recommended 35 ng/mL and an ominous 50 percent have dangerously low levels below 20 ng/mL.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed 1000 women who were given vitamin D supplementation substantial enough to raise their blood levelabove 30 ng/mL. This is the first randomized prospective study of its kind and the results were impressive. Researchers concluded at the end of the 4 year trial, the group receiving vitamin D had a greater than 50 percent decrease in cancer occurrence as compared to the general population. Statistically, this makes vitamin D the most effective anti-cancer substance in history.
Vitamin D levels follow a “U shape” curve with the base of the letter or curve in the optimal zone of between 35 and 50 ng/mL and the left and right up stroke representing either a deficiency or excess. It’s important to note that not only is too little vitamin D clearly implicated in the development a wide variety of diseases but conversely too much can cause significant health risks as well. Maintaining a healthy vitamin D level depends on a constellation of factors and often taking a supplement alone does not correct a deficiency.
Experts agree that it is recommended you have a professional perform a simple blood test and have your vitamin D level checked. A professional will make the appropriate recommendations based upon your individual needs and include many factors such as dietary, supplementation and or lifestyle. Only a professional is competant to offer proper care and advice.
[i]Lappe, M, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies KM, Recker RR, Heaney RP
Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, Jun 2007; 85: 1586 - 1591.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Dear Doctor…great article…my GP says that vit. D is over rated and that 15 3 times a week of sunlight is all that I need…your article seems contary to this…what do you think of his assesment?
Thanks - I await your response.
Lisa Babbit
May 19th, 2009 at 10:36 am
How much vitamin D supplementation is too much? I thought the body throws off any excessive amounts? ANyone have any thoughts on this?
May 19th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Of course you can have too much vitamin D supplementation…the excess only comes from the source of sunlight…excessive sunlight won’t csause you to produce too much vit. D becasue there is a governer on that but too much supplementation is like a drug and can cause an excess. I read that too much can cause cancer and other diseases. I got checked last year an my level was 16!!!!!!! Since then I am now a at good 39 and plan to hav eit checked again.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Finally! I am a subscriber and I have not read much on this Blog latley…wazzzz up with that? Are you still going to bring us info regularly?
May 19th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Dear Katy - we see you are a subscriber…glad to have you with us. We have been going through some ‘growing pains’ as we have expanded our authorship to include a group of specialists. As we work out our protocols we’ll be posting more content than ever before. Hang in there with us as http://www.NutrtionWire.org becomes an important reference site for all things diet and health.
Staff Moderators at http://www.NutrtionWire.org
May 30th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
LISA,
ME THINKS YOUR DOCTOR IS OVER RATED AND VITAMIN D3 IS
UNDER RATED.
TELL HIM TO ARBUE WITH NIH.