Vitamin D

The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise. Sunlight is our primary source of this important vitamin. Many of us live in climates where there are only a few months a year that sun intensity is sufficient to generate enough Vitamin D through skin exposure. Then there is the issue of sun damage and fear of developing skin cancer. So you can understand why Vitamin D levels have declined over the years. Rich food sources of Vitamin D include oily fish like salmon, sardines, and mackeral. Eggs are a good source too, and the yolk contains the Vitamin D which is yet another good reason to eat the whole egg!

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many health issues including prostate cancer, breast cancer, autism, fibromyalgia, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The list goes on and on. It is interesting to note that statistics show Vitamin D deficiencies increase the farther populations are located from the equator.

I encourage everyone to have the most accurate test for Vitamin D deficiency which is 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D or "25-OH D." I recommend this diagnostic test to each and every person who visits my office. In many cases, previously undetermined deficiencies were contributing to chronic health issues, and symptoms subsided with supplementation. It is best to have this test so your physician can determine your supplementation dosage. If you have a serious deficiency, a higher dosage is often prescribed at the beginning followed by a lower maintenance dosage once levels return to normal. Your physician will monitor your blood levels to ensure you are taking the right amount of Vitamin D.

Dr. Cannell of the Vitamin D Council has contributed so greatly to our understanding and awareness about the seriousness of this health issue. I recommend his e-newsletter to learn more about Vitamin D facts and the most current research. The March issue provides a particularly good summary:

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/2009-march.shtml

Vitamin D supplementation is important during pregnancy, and you should consult with your physician on what dosage to take. Here is a short video on the subject:

http://www.youtube.com/user/VitaminDCouncil

So increase your intake of Vitamin D foods and see your physician for a Vitamin D test.