Vitamin D levels linked with health of blood vessels

Emory University ^ | April 3, 2011 | Unknown

[linn37]

According to one of the patients who is married to a Doctor her husband thinks its a fad. Whether it is or not about 60% of the pateints coming in for blood work are having some form of the Vitd test performed. $$

[Al B.]

Yep, doc suggested it. They’re testing for it in the blood screen.

I think that’s about 1600 IU/day.

[CaptainK]

I’ve read that the high amounts of Vitamin A make cod liver oil a questionable supplement. I go for fish oil from either salmon, mackerel or anchovies with a Vitamin D pill.

[brytlea]

Unfortunately the amount in milk is so minimal you have to drink a LOT of milk to really make much of a dent.

[brytlea]

Me too, but I did get a bad cold this year. I don’t think its the panacea for everything (I don’t believe one exists, humans will catch things on occasion, we are not made to live indefinitely). However, it appears to have made a tremendous difference in some health issues I had. I’m a believer that at least some people (me for sure) need more than the average American lifestyle and diet supplies and it’s really important for some important body functions.

[presently no screen name]

You got a good doc! I meant 1600. Thank you!

[brytlea]

I am generally skeptical about all of this kind of thing, but I had serious medical issues this year, and I can only tell you that this is one of the few changes I made. Of course, I have no real proof it’s what helped. But, my neurologist is very supportive and doesn’t want me to stop taking it. And I know I won’t stop.

One thing about doctors and what they think tho.... I’ve seen a LOT of doctors over the past 10 years, unfortunately. Some of them seemed dumber than me. So, just because someone is a doctor doesn’t make me give their opinion much credence anymore. I’m just sayin....

[sten]

sunshine? milk? cod liver oil?

i’m doomed

[Future Useless Eater]

that’s right. Avoid Cod Liver oil because, although it does contain a lot of vitamin d, it also has a lot of Vitamin A in the dangerous form (retinol) that de-activates your vitamin D.

There have been some studies that seemed to show too much vitamin D was bad for you, but a closer look at those studies proved that ONLY those who supplemented their D (such as in the Scandinavian countries with Cod Liver Oil) were the ones that had negative outcomes.

Instead of quizzing everyone else how much vitamin D3 you need, just take daily whatever you feel is a good amount, and get your blood tested a month later. You will probably learn you could and should have taken 2x or 3x as much to get your blood up to summer time levels.

-best source for toxicity info or general vitamin D info is at http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/news.shtml

Another good vitamin that also help reverse heart disease is vitamin K2
(see vitaminK2.org and go to “scientific presentations” to watch their video)

[neverdem]

thanks decimon

[ak267]

4,000 IU per day. for the past few years.

BP before.... 135/89
BP now.....105/60
Heart inflamation markers....low
Haven’t had the flu or a cold in 4 years :)

Of course, changing diet, losing 60+ lbs and exercising are big factors as well.

[dhs12345]

Taking Vit D works for me. Definite cause/effect. Might partially explain the cold season — less sun exposure during the Winter months, skin under layers of clothing -- compromised immune system.

Surprising that it was overlooked for so long.

[Interesting Times]

Ping.

[zot]

Thanks for the ping. Our doctor didn’t prescribe it for me, though he did for my wife.

[slowhandluke]

... new research demonstrates that ingested vitamin D is immunosuppressive ...

Who want's to take a 5 year bet on whether trying to get to vitD=60 will be found to be a dangerous, feel-good panacea, that high supplementation with vitamin D just hides the symptoms of any problems?

I'll take the anti-vitamin-D side.

Lappe JM, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies KM, Recker RR, Heaney RP Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:1586-91.

Chlebowski RT, Johnson KC, Kooperberg C, Pettinger M, Wactawski-Wende J, Rohan T, Rossouw J, Lane D, O'Sullivan MJ, Yasmeen S, Hiatt RA, Shikany JM, Vitolins M, Khandekar J, Hubbell FA Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008;100:1581-91.

Prabhala A, Garg R, Dandona P Severe myopathy associated with vitamin D deficiency in western New York. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:1199-203.

Hyppönen E, Sovio U, Wjst M, Patel S, Pekkanen J, Hartikainen AL, Järvelinb MR Infant vitamin d supplementation and allergic conditions in adulthood: northern Finland birth cohort 1966. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004;1037:84-95.

Payne ME, Anderson JJ, Steffens DC Calcium and vitamin D intakes may be positively associated with brain lesions in depressed and nondepressed elders. Nutr Res. 2008;28:285-92.

Graham MR, Grace FM, Boobier W, Hullin D, Kicman A, Cowan D, Davies B, Baker JS Homocysteine induced cardiovascular events: a consequence of long term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse. Br J Sports Med. 2006;40:644-8.

McGrath JJ, Eyles DW, Pedersen CB, Anderson C, Ko P, Burne TH, Norgaard-Pedersen B, Hougaard DM, Mortensen PB Neonatal vitamin D status and risk of schizophrenia: a population-based case-control study. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010;67:889-94.

Gottlieb JE, Israel HL, Steiner RM, Triolo J, Patrick H Outcome in sarcoidosis. The relationship of relapse to corticosteroid therapy. Chest. 1997;111:623-31.

[Georgia Girl 2]

At the first sign of a cold or flu we take Oil of Oregano. It is as powerful as any antibiotic and is also a strong anti viral. We swear by it. Also colloidal silver and MMS.

[brytlea]

I go on the theory that the human body builds antibodies by actually getting sick. Works for me. I am rarely very sick and don’t take a bunch of unnatural substances.

[brytlea]

I can only say, I hope you’re wrong. I really want the answer to be this simple. :(

[Georgia Girl 2]

Oil of Oregano is totally natural. Its the oil of the wild oregano plant. You get it at the health food store.

[hoosiermama]

My classroom had NO windows. For thirty plus years I taught in a cave. Developed adult onset chronic asthma and was on several occasions hospitalized. Immune system shot, caught every little thing that went around, sometimes twice.

After retiring early we finally started taking D3. (Two specialist just knew it was something in the classroom, when it was actually what was not in the room.)

Was on my son to get tested. Finally he did this winter. One niche above "morbid". He's on a 9000/day prescription. He told me he hadn't realized just how bad he was feeling until he'd been on it for a couple of month.

My dad took it before skin cancer treatment. Dr was amazed at how fast he healed.

IMO we are just seeing the tip of the "D" iceberg. Feel absolutely wonderful and haven't had even a cold or the flu in the last couple of years.