Vitamin D Can Save Your Life
Vitamin D Can Save Your Life
Studies show 50-78% of the general population has lower than optimal levels of vitamin D. This places them at a high risk for several degenerative diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. Further, an estimated 36% of the population has dangerously low levels of vitamin D. This may prove to be a leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide.
In contrast, adults and children with higher vitamin D levels contract considerably fewer cold, flu, and other viral infections.
A study published in the September 2011 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests optimal levels of vitamin D could lead to significantly fewer deaths and an increase in life expectancy by two years. This study identified the affect that vitamin D has on reducing the risk of vitamin D-sensitive diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory infections and diseases, tuberculosis and diabetes. Additional vitamin D-sensitive diseases and conditions are Alzheimer’s disease, falls, meningitis, Parkinson’s disease, maternal sepsis, pre-eclampsia, and multiple sclerosis.
Vitamin D is Not Just for Bone Health
Vitamin D plays many important roles in the body. Most people are familiar with the role of vitamin D in healthy bones and teeth. In addition to being central to bone and dental health, vitamin D also boosts immunity and helps your body fight infection. Science Daily cites a recent study revealing that adult patients admitted to the hospital with pneumonia are more likely to die if they have vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D also supports cell growth, neuromuscular function, and reduction of inflammation, thereby reducing your risk of major diseases.
What You Can Do to Ensure You Have Optimal Vitamin D Levels
A simple blood test is strongly advised to determine your current vitamin D level. This is the only way to know how much vitamin D you need. Any general practitioner can perform this test. Vitamin D is only produced by the body when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Most people incorrectly assume they get enough vitamin D from a healthy diet alone. If you need additional vitamin D, the best ways to increase your level are through safe sun exposure, fortified foods, and supplementation.
Sun Exposure
Season, time & length of day, cloud cover, air quality, skin type, and sunscreen affect vitamin D synthesis. We are advised to limit our sun exposure and always wear sun protection. This has resulted in significant vitamin D deficiency for many people. Studies have shown that even 40% of Floridians are vitamin D deficient. Sun protection remains important due to the prevalence of skin cancers. As you limit sun exposure, however, you must add vitamin D to your diet and/or take a supplement to achieve and maintain the optimal level.
Fortified Foods & Supplementation
Very few foods in nature contain vitamin D. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel along with fish liver oils are the best sources. Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D in the American diet. For example, most U.S. milk provides 100 IU per cup. In comparison, the average vitamin D supplement provides 400 IU to 2,000 IU per day. Many breakfast cereals contain added vitamin D, as do some brands of orange juice and yogurt. Other dairy products, such as cheese and ice cream, are generally not fortified.
The cost of a vitamin D supplement is generally very low, making it an easy and practical way to increase your level of this critical vitamin. This, along with a healthy diet and safe amounts of sunlight, is a good way to support your health and reduce your risk of disease.