Researchers find geographic differences in vitamin D deficiency rates
Where a person lives may play a major role in determining whether they will receive a blood test indicating they have a vitamin D deficiency, according to a new study published in the Journal of Rural Life. The results of the study involving more than … See all stories on this topic »
Vitamins and Nutrients report by CDC released - Vitamin D, Iodine, and Iron …
However, some areas need some improvement – vitamin D, iodine, and iron. Vitamin D deficiency is higher in black Americans. The agency found 31 percent deficiency rate in Vitamin D in non-Hispanic blacks. Even though this group has lacking vitamin D … See all stories on this topic »
Vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink reduced inflammation, CV risk in type 2 diabetes
Some participants (73.3%) had vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, the researchers wrote. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of three groups. Participants were given two 250-mL bottles per day of plain doogh containing 150 mg calcium and … See all stories on this topic »
Research Project Recruiting Pregnant Women to Combat Gestational Diabetes
Vitamin D deficiency is more common in overweight and obese women and is associated with insulin resistance, a precursor of GDM. Leading Consultant Endocrinologist and Head of School of Medicine NUI Galway, Professor Fidelma Dunne is heading up the … See all stories on this topic »
Research has shown that there is a clear link between vitamin D blood levels and bone mineral density (BMD). In most people, but especially in the elderly, vitamin D deficiency is common. In the elderly this deficiency often occurs because of reduced exposure to sunlight, excessive use of sunscreen, as well as a reduced ability to synthesize vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D is essential for the intestinal absorption of calcium. When levels are low, less calcium enters the blood stream and is therefore unavailable for bone mineralization and support. This general depletion results in reduced bone structure and strength, which is often more prevalent in older women. A recent study published in Osteoporosis International (March 2010), reported a noted increase in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women after daily supplementation with vitamin D and calcium.
The Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention- Fracture Prevention Study (OSTPRE-FPS) followed 593 women, the average age being 68.5 years, either receiving daily supplementation or none at all, over a three year period. Supplementation consisted of vitamin D 400 IU and calcium 500 mg, twice daily. Study results demonstrated a significant total body bone mineral density increase in those receiving supplementation when compared to those not supplemented. This study, as do other studies, demonstrates the need for vitamin D and calcium supplementation for strengthening and retaining skeletal health.
Daily stress has a significant impact on the body resulting in added energy and nutrient needs. A recent study in Psychopharmacology has shown that daily use of multivitamins containing B complex, vitamin C and minerals can help healthy people improve ratings of stress, mental health and cognitive performance. This study evaluated 210 men between the ages 30 – 55 with full-time employment. During the course of 33 days, men received either a placebo or the vitamin/mineral supplementation. At the beginning and end of the 33 day period, study participants completed an array of physical and mental tasks as well as multiple questionnaires including mood states, stress, and general health. Results demonstrated that the group who received the B complex, vitamin C and minerals found improved cognitive performance, ratings of stress and overall mood. This study, like many others of its kind, suggests that healthy people can benefit from vitamin and mineral supplementation for specific areas of functioning and well-being.
Dr. Soszka’s Comments:
Am I surprised? No. Considering the foods that many modern industrial societies consume on a daily basis are almost devoid of many of the vitamins and minerals we so desperately need it’s no wonder that people feel better when they actually meet their nutrient requirements. It’s unfortunate that it often requires the use of pills to meet your daily needs, but due to soil nutrient depletion and processing of foods that is often the case. I always recommend seeking out locally grown organic fruits and vegetables as well as free-range, organically raise poultry and meat sources.
Also keep in mind that if you have any digestive problems that prevent you from absorbing food or vitamins, then it doesn’t matter if the vitamins that you take are the best in the world, you simply won’t absorb enough to receive benefit. I often see patients who have either poor stomach acid production or intestinal inflammation that prevents total absorption of nutrients.
Should you experience a significant improvement in energy, mood, or general well-being with vitamin supplementation, then you most likely do not have any absorption issues. This being the case you can expect long-standing benefits from supplementation.
For those of you who take vitamins but don’t notice any significant improvements, you may have an absorption issue that needs further investigation. I will typically give my patients a nutritional questionnaire and subsequent nutritional physical examination to determine what absorption issues exist.
With all of the publicity that UV radiation (UVR) is an important cause of skin cancer, premature skin aging and cataract formation, one might think that avoidance of UVR would be the best policy. Not so fast. If protection against UVR were the most important thing, all humans would have very dark skin, since the melanin in dark skin protects against skin cancer and premature skin aging. (more…)
