Posted on 11/18/2011 2:52:39 PM PST by TennesseeGirl
John J. Cannell, M.D writes that he receives numerous questions from individuals who ask, "My doctor prescribed Drisdol, is that OK?"
Drisdol is vitamin D2 in a form that doctors write prescriptions for. Sun exposure does not produce vitamin D2 in the body, the vitamin is produced by plant matter and irradiating fungus. When consumed, numerous metabolic forms of D2 can be traced in the body. According to some studies, vitamin D3, which is produced by the skin, is more powerful, hence more effective at raising blood levels compared with vitamin D2, however, some studies say they are equal. Few studies however have compared the efficiency of D2 versus D3, or, to put it simply, which form has better health outcomes and which better mortality rates?
Lead researcher, professor Dr. Goran Bjelakovic decided to investigate the question in a meta-analysis, which was followed by a recent review...
...Incredibly, the study was somehow overlooked and neither the press nor Cannell spotted it in July. Thanks to a recent review of the study by Professor Dr. Harvey Murff of Vanderbilt University in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the general public is now able to examine the study once again. Excerpted
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalnewstoday.com ...
As far as fish oil goes, there are some interesting twists and turns.
Omega-3 is the desired active ingredient, in that it has anti-inflammatory properties and raises the good cholesterol. Omega-6, which is much more common, mostly in other meats, actually has a slight inflammatory effect, but some supplements are adding it to fish oil, which is counterproductive, since we already get enough. Ideally in the body, there should be an overall balance between the two factors. (There is also an Omega-9, but it is of small consequence either way.)
However, it doesn’t stop there. Omega-3 has been analyzed further, and discovered to have two components, EPA and DHA. The EPA seems to do little, and it is the DHA that is the main, active ingredient for Omega-3’s positive effects.
And now, *just* DHA is being sold over the counter. (Walmart probably has it for the best price). Importantly, do not confuse DHA with a different supplement called DHEA, as they are two entirely different things.
But it is too new to evaluate how effective DHA is in the absence of EPA, yet the assumption is that a little DHA could be worth as much as a lot of fish oil.
Another aside. For those who are taking statin drugs, such as Lipitor and Crestor, it is critical that they also take a supplement of Coenzyme Q-10, as statin drugs also strongly reduce the natural production of Co-Q10. And while Co-Q10 is ubiquitous in the body, hardly noticeable if you have enough, if you *do not* have enough, it can be extremely bad for your health. Often starting with the heart.
1. MD’s don’t ever seem to ask their patients about vitamin D, which cures and prevents so many illnesses. Each doc should test each patient no matter what his complaint.
2. If they ever do prescribe vit D, it’s the wrong kind.
Sometimes traditional medicine is soooo frustrating.
No surprise.
BTTT
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