The power Of (Vitamin) D

Science News Magazine ^ | 8-16-2011 | Nathan Seppa

[blam]

The power of D

Sunshine vitamin’s potential health benefits stir up, split scientists

By Nathan Seppa
July 16th, 2011; Vol.180 #2 (p. 22)

A nutritional supplement that is free of charge, offers a wide range of health benefits and poses little risk sounds like fodder for a late-night TV commercial. It offers a safe route to better health, these advocates say, by promoting proper function of the bones, heart, brain, immune system, you name it. Yet, the proponents claim, most people don’t get enough. Whereas humans’ pre­historic ancestors lived outdoors and made oodles of vitamin D in their sun-exposed skin, people today have become shut-ins by comparison — and scant sun exposure means low vitamin D.

Of course, not everyone sees such a grand reach for the vitamin. While scientists concur that it is essential for bone maintenance, some stop right there. The skeptics note that vitamin D’s other promising qualities have shown up largely in studies that fall short of the gold standard of medicine — the randomized controlled trial, in which groups of people get either a placebo or the real thing. While a handful of randomized trials have shown additional benefits, others have not, leaving a gap in the vitamin’s otherwise sterling reputation.

This debate came to a head last November, when an Institute of Medicine panel of scientists announced new vitamin D recommendations. The old intake levels were barely high enough to prevent rickets, a bone condition associated with the Industrial Revolution. The IOM panel boosted the recommended daily intake of the vitamin from 200 to 600 international units per day for most of the population. The new dose is about 15 micrograms, in the range of vitamin D found in most multivitamins.

(snip)

[blam]

"Here’s what I’d like to know. Are Vitamin D supplements equivalent to getting it through exposure to the sun, or does the latter have some “natural” benefit?"

I don't know. I'm a retired chip-maker and all I know about this stuff is what I read.
I have read that Vitamin D from flax is not an effective vitamin D source though and that D3 is the desired type.

[FARS]

Some studies claim it is as good without the side effects, burns et

[ladyjane]

Thank you for the ping.

My understanding is that Vitamin D is fat soluble, not water soluble.

Is there any test to determine if you are accumulating too much Vitamin D?

[Secret Agent Man]

Given the meds and antibiotics you’ve taken you ought to take probiotics as well.

[Jenny217]

My Dr says I can safely take up to 10,000 per day of D3. I have been taking 5000-7000 per day for about a year and experienced a great improvement in my over all health. Not a cold, flu or other bacterial/viral illness. I also experienced a susceptibility to bronchitis for decades that seems to be history now. Yea!

[FARS]

You start having a yellow glow - even in daylight (smile).

Lots of controversy so hard to pin anything down.

Clearly there are lab tests that indicate/include your body Vitamin D level so that may be the real answer.

[Quix]

MM, don’t know if post 18 would be of interest, or not.

Sometimes, odd things can be helpful.

[decimon]

Before I started taking 'higher' doses of vitamin D, I would have bronchitis at least once and sometimes twice a winter requiring a doctors visit...Now, no bronchitis in at least four years.

I think that would convince most people.

[decimon]

Costco has Kirkland brand of D3 that is 2000 I.U. (small softgel caps) that is 600 pills for about $12. That’s pretty cheap.

That is cheap. I buy this stuff at the chain drug stores when they have their two-fer sales, which is often. I'd probably pay a few bucks more than you.

Even cheaper would be buying the 5,000IU capsules but I have no idea if we get the same benefit from a single large dose as with multiple smaller doses.

[decimon]

Got any idea what the Vit. D blood level is for people living near the equator living their cultural “traditional” lifestyle/dress?

I've read that they are often deficient. A reason given is that many tropical areas have long rainy seasons.

[netmilsmom]

bttt

[LaineyDee]

Before I started taking 'higher' doses of vitamin D, I would have bronchitis at least once and sometimes twice a winter requiring a doctors visit...Now, no bronchitis in at least four years.

Good for you! And thanks for re-posting the link to the discussion. :) My daughter insisted I take 5,000IU a day after having a severe bout of pneumonia last year and relapsing a month later. So far, so good!

[csmusaret]

I get all my supplements from Swansons. Great products, service and price.....http://www.swansonvitamins.com/Search?keyword=Vitamin+D3&doSearch=true&ntt=&n=0&ntk=Level1

[etabeta]

I have added Vit. K2 to my D-3 last month. I read too about the damage to the cardiovascular system if there is not enough K2 in the body. I am taking also probiotic and MSM Sulfur powder which strengthens joints and skin structure.
I get all my vitamins at Swanson, they have the NOW brand I prefer and they are a lot cheaper than at the health food store.

[varina davis]

I do!

[quintr]

sss

[Christian4Bush]

bump

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Yaelle]

Say what you want, but since my family seriously upped our D3, a year ago, we have had not one cold or flu between us. One boy got an upset stomach, a virus or food poisoning. That was it. Normally we all get a few colds and maybe one flu each a winter. Nothing!

I kept going back to my doc for blood tests until I got my blood level of D past 50. For me the correct dosage was 15,000 a day. Everyone is deficient in D so everyone should go and get tested. It’s nice to prevent disease. I don’t enjoy being sick or having sick kids.

[Running On Empty]

marking