Vitamin D works in conjunction with calcium to promote the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D is also essential in the modulation of neuromuscular and immune system function and in the reduction of inflammation. The primary focus is placed on preventing undue bone demineralization. Virtually no thought is put toward the levels our species evolved with. Vitamin D conversion is variable based on many factors, including skin pigmentation.
At northern latitudes, there is not enough radiation to convert vitamin D, especially during the winter, and after the age of 70 the skin does not convert vitamin D effectively. It turns out that darker skinned people have lower vitamin D levels. Things like altitude, such as living in the mountains, and body weight affect Vitamin D levels. Obese people have lower levels than thin people.
The following is a series of direct quotes form:
The Vitamin D Deficiency Pandemic: A Forgotten Hormone Important for Health, by Author Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD
“The association of living at upper (and lower) latitudes (i.e., above or below the 35th parallels of latitude) with increased risk of dying from cancer, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and hypertension is well documented…. The skeletal consequences of vitamin D deficiency on bone health include osteoporosis and increased risk for fractures, especially of the hip, vertebrae and forearm with serious impact on quality of life and survival... What is less appreciated is that vitamin D deficiency causes muscle weakness, increasing risk of swaying and falling, thus further increasing risk of fracture in the frail elderly…Osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency have also been linked with increased risk of many chronic diseases including: heart disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune and infectious diseases, asthma and other wheezing disorders. It is well documented that living at upper and lower latitudes increases risk for multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes…. Children in Finland who received 2000 IU of vitamin D/day during their first year of life and followed for 31 years were found to have a 78 percent reduced risk of developing type 1 diabetes….Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a 50 percent increased risk of having a myocardial infarction. Hypertension, congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disease have been associated with vitamin D deficiency. Vascular smooth muscle, and cardiomyocytes have a vitamin D receptor, and it has been estimated that up to 2000 genes related to cardiovascular health may be directly or indirectly influenced by 1,25(OH)2D… It has been estimated that for every 100 IU of vitamin D/day that is taken, the blood level of 25(OH)D is increased by 1 ng/mL (2.5 nmol/L)… Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is pandemic and is seen in essentially every country in the world. There are many causes (Figure 3), but lack of awareness of the importance of this deficiency is crucial in individual and public health. Oily fish, cod liver oil and mushrooms exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation are the only natural sources.”
See the entire Abstract at: http://www.publichealthreviews.eu/show/f/35
The current recommendation or intake of Vitamin D depends on many variables especially where you live. Many studies suggest that if you live above or below the 30th Latitude you can’t get sufficient Vitamin D even if you stay outdoors all day, every day.
From Dr. Joseph Mercola:
“Please -- if you supplement with vitamin D3, have your vitamin D levels tested routinely to ensure you do not overdose with it. You and your physician need to be aware of your vitamin D levels so you can adjust your supplementation accordingly. This is a customized approach -- not a one-size-fits-all.
Vitamin D Dose Recommendations | |||
Age Dosage Below 5 35 units per pound per day Age 5 - 10 2500 units Adults 5000 units Pregnant women 5000 units WARNING: There is no way to know if the above recommendations are correct. The ONLY way to know is to test your blood. You might need 4-5 times the amount recommended above. Ideally your blood level of 25 OH D should be 60ng/ml.” Dr. Mercola has an excellent site for all health related matters. This is a link to Dr. Mercola’s Vitamin D resource page where the above information comes from: http://www.mercola.com/article/vitamin-d-resources.htm There are two types of tests that are currently done by laboratories to determine Vitamin D levels. Here is the table for converting one to the other from Wikipedia: Conversion of Vitamin D from ng/D to nmol/L for Vitamin D is: 1.0 nmol/L = 0.4 ng/mL Because of how I feel, and my medical history I am personally trying to maintain my Vitamin D level at between 80 -100 ng/ml. There has been some research that suggests that this level is not dangerous and may be even more beneficial. I encourage you to do your own research on this subject and consult with your doctor. Never undertake a Vitamin program using Fat soluble vitamins without lab tests, and the supervision of a Medical Professional! For more in depth information watch the video: | |||
