Monday, January 31, 2011

Are you getting enough of the Sunshine Vitamin?

Did you know that the average Caucasian produces approximately 10,000 IU of Vitamin D with just 20 to 30 minutes of summer time sun exposure.  The government recommends 200 IU per day of Vitamin D & your own body produces 50 times that amount in 20-30 minutes.  That should make us all question the governments recommendation!



Vitamin D deficiency is a major factor in over 17 forms of cancer, along with heart disease, stroke, diabetes,arthritis, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, muscle weakness, rickets, osteomalacia, multiple sclerosis, depression, birth defects, periodontal diseases, bone fractures and more. 

Vitamin D

What is it?
Fat Soluble Vitamin that promotes bone health, heart health, immune system health & function.

What does it do?
Calcium is absorbed into your body by the assistance of Vitamin D & the fat-soluble Vitamin D is stored in your body's fatty tissue helping regulate the correct amounts of calcium & phosphorus in your blood.  

How much Vitamin D should you take??? 
The recommendations vary!  Vitamin D capsules are usually available in 50 to 1,000 IU's.  The most common recommendations that I have found are 400 to 800 IU's per day. HOWEVER, you should ALWAYS consult a medical professional before deciding on what you personally need or should take.

SAFETY!  There are varying reports & research on toxicity with Vitamin D.  Choosing a water soluble vitamin is VERY IMPORTANT.  When using a water soluble vitamin your body will use what it needs & eliminate the rest & that is not the case with other vitamins.  Always consult a medical professional before using supplements.

Dr. Oz recommends that you take 800 IU's per day and if your over 60 years of age that you take 1000 IU's per day.

Which Vitamin & Supplement Brands should I choose? 
My favorite water soluble vitamins are from the Shaklee Company.  Along with being water soluble, I feel my optimum best when taking these vitamins.  Everyone is different and one brand may work wonders for one person and not another.  Choose the source that works best for you, your personal constitution, body & spirit. 

Companies that I hear the most good things about in the US of A  are........
Shaklee
Juice Plus
Natural Factors
GNC
Nature Made

I am unsure of what exactly is available in Australia for supplements but I'm sure a Naturopath or Medical Provider can make recommendations.

Links, Resources & References:
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/
http://ww5.komen.org/Content.aspx?id=6442452958&ecid=emklfeb11:5
http://vitalearthtraditions.myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome.html
http://vitalearthtraditions.myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome.html#/pop_VitaminD_quiz
http://content.shaklee.com/shaklee/docs/health-sci/July08_VitaminD_HS_Bulletin.pdf
http://www.naturalnews.com/021892.html
http://www.physorg.com/news182697271.html
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20110128/New-study-links-vitamin-D-deficiency-with-deficits-in-altered-lung-structure-and-function.aspx
http://www.news-medical.net/health/Vitamin-D-Supplementation.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind
http://www.examiner.com/dr-oz-in-national/dr-oz-101-how-much-vitamin-d-should-i-get
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/01/the-miracle-of-vitamin-d-sound-science-or-hype/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823172327.htm
http://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.b5500.full
http://naturemade.com/Products/Segments/Vitamin-D.aspx
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vitamins.html
http://209.157.64.200/focus/chat/2552035/posts
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra070553
http://thenaturaladvocate.blogspot.com/2010/02/remarkable-paper-in-british-medical.html

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I personally can't say that I get enough sunshine vitamins. That's why I take vitamin D supplements to make sure that I get enough of it.