In “D” News

The latest in a long line of confusing studies, meta-studies, and other press released articles has come out in favor of Vitamin D. The last spree of info was condemning calcium, if I recall, for bone support. All of this conflicting info brings people to me, looking for my take on what is going on. Mostly, I think, because I tend to be skeptical of anything in the press positive or negative.

The articles are picked up by media outlets to draw interest to their site. Let's face it, they need eyes to get advertising revenue. (hint, hint) I personally believe this is the reason sites are so willing to report meta-studies in the first place. The purpose of a meta-study is to determine where to focus more scientific investigation, not to provide a statement of fact. Meta-studies often show findings that are outside of the accepted community of information. Damned scientists and their need to always want to understand things! The problem comes when the media picks up a study and applies it across the population at large.

So, when I see a news piece like the one above I look at it skeptically to determine why I am seeing it in the first place. Especially this one. Really, vitamin D is good for bones? That is news worthy? Next we will be told that cranberry is good for UTI's. Oh, wait, here is a meta-study for that. 

What may be kinda cool, is the reminder that vitamin D is a hormone the body produces. One of the things it does involves the production of testosterone in the body. Hmmm. The latest plague attacking society according to the TV advertising I have been abused by is Low T. I wonder if there might be some kinda link between the lack of outdoor activity in the sun, the sunscreen applications that can be measured in pounds, and the this new disaster to humanity. Hmmm.

VG

Saying Goodbye to the Sun

Along with the Daylight Savings time shift, we here in the northern part of the country also have a noticeable decline in sunlight to enjoy. Add to the astronomically shorter days the gloom of the weather and you almost want to send the sun a going away party. Seems like we had one or two sunny days from the beginning of November to June last winter and spring. Even on the nice day we get each month, it is cold enough that we bundle up and cover as much skin as possible. Not the best way to catch some rays, dude.

The lack of sunshine means a drop in the vitamin D produced by our bodies for the next few months. Vitamin D has been in the news recently as more and more studies have found links between it and various cancers, H1N1 (swine flu),  and some forms of depression.  There more peer reviewed studies released everyday. Its support of the immune system could be why sickness is more common in the winter.

Unless you have a polar bear somewhere in your family history, snow-tanning is not a likely option for you in your efforts to maintain your body's Vitamin D levels during the winter. Some people try using tanning beds, but that leads to other cancer issues. You could always drink more milk, of course each serving has only got about 150 iu, which is about 25% of your needs to prevent rickets.

So, just how much Vitamin D should you try to get in your day? Well 10 minutes of direct summer sun in summer attire will generate about 10,000 iu. That would be, umm, about 67 servings of milk, per day, every day. A family of 4 would need two happy cows and a milking machine for its needs.

While some I know would love a couple of new pets, I suggest trying supplements. Vitamin D3 in supplemental form is very cheap and easy to take. I use a liquid version and just take a few drops a day. Being a fat soluble supplement you can take your weeks supply in one serving and be just fine. I have had people come to me with prescriptions for 50,000 and 100,000 iu doses. I personally shoot for about 5,000 to 7,000 a day to maintain good health.

Rays, cows, or pills your choice for your sun loss needs.

EDIT 11-8-11:

At the risk of offending Dr. House, you can add Lupus to list of illnesses are impacted by vitamin D.

More Than Just Healthy Bones

When I was a kid - now I'm just an old goat - we were taught in school that vitamin D was needed for strong teeth and healthy bones. Before milk was fortified with vitamin D, rickets was a common malady. Milk was an obvious choice for adding vitamin D, as it was already established as a good source of calcium and was a part of the diet of children already. More on milk and calcium later.

Turns out that several recent studies have linked vitamin D with cancer prevention. Let me say that again. Vitamin D has been linked to cancer prevention in multiple studies. Vitamin D has also been shown to be an effective weapon against Seasonal Affective Disorder. Turns out the “winter blues” that affect so many people are a very real mental disorder linked to low levels of vitamin D.

The best way to get your vitamin D is by getting a generous amount of direct sunlight. We all feel better standing in the sun. Part of that emotional lift comes from your own body's production of Vitamin D. That said, those of us in the northern part of the world or who have indoor jobs will find it difficult to go out and catch some rays. This is where supplemental Vitamin D can be a great choice.

When choosing a Vitamin D supplement, I look for the label D3 or Cholecalciferol. This form of Vitamin D is most like what the body produces and is more readily absorbed. I suggest 2000 to 5000 IU a day. If you spend 10 minutes in direct sunlight your body can produce up to the equivalent of 10,000 IU.