Vitamin D Levels
Posted on 10 May 2010
Important Facts About Vitamin D Should Know
Vitamin D is constantly in the news today. As we know it's good for our bone health, now we're hearing that vitamin D is associated with a variety of health issues and that people are often deficient in vitamin D. To understand the benefits, it is important to understand the basics about vitamin D and why it is so important to good health.
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a vitamin that is actually produced in our body. In order for the body to produce vitamin D, it must be exposed to sufficient sunlight (about an hour week). The vitamin D we get from the sun and from fortified food must then be converted into an active form in our bodies. This involves both the liver and kidneys. The active form of vitamin D is vitamin D3 or calcitriol. As we get older, we produce less vitamin D. In addition, most us in the Northwest do not get enough sunlight to produce vitamin D.
What will it do?
Vitamin D is most well known for his involvement in bone health. It is necessary to absorb calcium. Therefore, people with low levels of vitamin D may be more likely to suffer from osteoporosis or joint disease. However, new research shows that vitamin D has many additional functions in the body than just helping our bones.
Vitamin D also neuromuscular and immune system effects and may reduce swelling. For these functions, vitamin D deficiency is associated with a variety of disease states including include: autoimmune disorders, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Where can I get Vitamin D?
The best Sources Of Vitamin D is the flesh of fish including tuna, mackerel and salmon with fish liver oils. Fortified foods such as milk, orange juice, yogurt and some cereals also contain vitamin D.
How Much Vitamin D do I need?
The recommended amount of vitamin D for adults every Institutes of Medicine Recommended dietary levels are: 200 IU for people 50 years old or younger, 400 IU for 51-70 years and 600 IU for those aged over 70. This is the amount needed to prevent bone disease rickets so will most likely not enough to support the other functions of vitamin D in the body. These recommendations will be reviewed this year and the most likely to increase at least 400 IU for younger adults and 800 IU to 1000 IU for older adults.
Who is at risk for vitamin D deficiency?
Those at risk of vitamin D deficiency include breastfed infants, older adults, people with limited Sun exposure, people with dark skin, those who can not absorb fat and people with a body mass index greater or equal to 30.
How do I know if I am not enough?
The best way is to have your vitamin D levels measured. This will give your doctor the tools to help determine the appropriate vitamin D increase the level for you.
Can I take too much vitamin D?
Excessive vitamin D can cause nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, weakness and constipation with raising levels of calcium. If both calcium and vitamin D are taken as supplements in excess, there is more of a risk for kidney stones or soft tissue calcification. Again the best way is to check your levels to see what the right treatment for you.
About the Author
Lou Kupka-Schutt is a resident doctor at
Skagit Valley Hospital
in Mount Vernon, WA, a regional hospital specializing in
Cancer Care, Orthopedics, Heart and Vascualr Care
, and more.
Vitamin D not flu shots
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