As we've had a few lovely hot days in London so far this week (thankfully we're getting some Summer weather), with plenty of sunshine, it's the perfect day to write about Vitamin D.
Last week, I talked about my mother's electrolyte problem that landed her in hospital as that was “on top” for me and received this email:
“Thanks for this research which I found interesting...While I'm writing about deficiencies, I went to the doctors recently and had a blood test and they discovered I was deficient in Vitamin D. Apparently the normal range is between 70 to 200 odd (from memory). I was at 15!!! Anyway Vitamin D deficiency is very common and is a particular problem for those with dark skin as this naturally restricts the amount of Vitamin D absorbed by the skin. I’m on a course of Vitamin D3 tablets to adjust my level back to normal. I’m also hoping to get some sun on holiday in Kos shortly.
Anyway could be something worth writing about in the future?”
Thank you (person wishes to remain anonymous), and yes, vitamin D is worth writing about, as it may help others.
As much as 75 percent of the world's population is vitamin D deficient and it is estimated that up to 85 percent of people who have insufficient levels of vitamin D are unaware of it.
An article in the Guardian, 2nd August 2015 says:
“People in Britain should boost their vitamin D intake with supplements because of a lack of bright sunshine to provide it naturally, government health advisers have suggested. The British weather prevents much of the population from receiving healthy amounts of the essential vitamin from sunlight, and natural food sources alone are not enough to boost levels, according to the scientific advisory committee on nutrition (SACN).”
Vitamin D mainly comes from UV sunlight although it is also found in oily fish, eggs and is added to some foods such as breakfast cereals.
Vitamin D is vital for healthy bones and teeth. It can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic inflammation, age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness) and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin D also helps you fight infections such tuberculosis, pneumonia, colds, and flu. It can also improve seizure control in epileptics.
Apparently, Vitamin D is not a vitamin but a steroid hormone. Common types of vitamin D are vitamin D2 and D3. Compared to D2, vitamin D3 is 87 percent more effective, and is the preferred form for addressing insufficient levels of vitamin D.
If you use sun protection (which blocks vitamin D production) or spend more time indoors than outdoors you may be deficient in Vitamin D. The elderly, who tend to spend more time indoors are more prone to vitamin D deficiency.
Cases of vitamin D deficiency are also seen more frequently in individuals (of all ages) that have darker skin pigmentation e.g. those whose ancestors are from Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.
Regardless of skin pigmentation, deficiency can be even worse if you live in northern latitudes where there is very little sun exposure.
If you think you may be deficient in Vitamin D, you will need to have a blood test done to determine your current Vitamin D levels , so a visit to the doctor may be in order.
It is important to also note that you shouldn't take any vitamin D supplement without taking vitamin K2.
Click this link http://bit.ly/29RHrXF to find out more. This link
http://bit.ly/29XFZ9R also provides excellent information on Vitamin D.
To your optimal health.
