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Author:
Constance Weygandt

A vitamin which has received a lot of interest lately, for a host of reasons, is vitamin D. Various studies have shown the importance of vitamin D in the prevention of aggressive forms of prostate cancer, colon cancer and even skin cancer. It acts as an insulin stimulator to help deter diabetes. It can help to offset the effects of PMS as a regulator of the hormone, estrogen. It boosts seretonin which has been found to help depression. It is also important to understand the role of vitamin D in calcium absorption. Without vitamin D, calcium does not find its way to the bones. Not only does it aid in calcium absorption but in strengthening the muscles which gives added mobility to the elderly. The significance of this can be seen when we realize that falls are the largest cause of injury related deaths in nursing homes.

For all of these reasons, the importance of getting the proper amount of vitamin D is becoming more and more apparent. This, however, presents a dilemma. The single best way that we receive vitamin D is through sunshine. In recent years, it is becoming clear that Americans are not getting enough vitamin D. This has been due, in part, to the increased use of sunscreens. Sunscreen blocks the absorption of vitamin D in the skin. Does this mean we should stop using sunscreen? No, absolutely not. Some studies suggest that we spend 5-10 minutes, three times a day , in the sun without sunscreen. Other studies suggest that we spend 10-15 minutes, one to two times a day, in the sun without sunscreen. I think it is clear that only small doses of being exposed to the sun, without sunscreen are recommended.

There are some foods, although not many, which provide vitamin D. These would be fatty fish, milk, fortified orange juice and fortified cereals. Mushrooms that are sun grown are also a good source of vitamin D. Green leafy vegetables are not a good source of vitamin D. Because of this, a daily supplement is recommended. Traditionally, 200 I.U.s were the recommended dose but new studies are suggesting anywhere from 600-800 I.U.s as a minimum dose. Up to 2,000 I.U.s a day has not been shown to pose a toxicity risk but there is really no reason to take this much.

Given the known benefits of vitamin D, all of us, especially as we age, should pay as close attention to this vitamin as we do calcium.

Constance Weygandt is a balance mentor who specializes in finding answers for those individuals who are seeking an alternative to conventional weight management. For more information or to sign up for Constance's newsletter, visit her website at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com

| Article Keywords: Nutrient Basics

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Nutrient Basics... Vitamin C Prevents Pregnancy Complication Women who supplement with a small amount of vitamin C during the second half of pregnancy reduce their risk of one contributor to premature birth, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;81:859–63). The end of pregnancy and the beginning of the birth process is marked by rupture of the walls (membranes) of the sac that holds the growing fetus and the amniotic fluid. A healthy pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks. Premature birth occurs when the membranes rupture and birth begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Smoking, vaginal infection, and poor maternal nutrition can all increase the risk of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). PROM occurs in 10 to 20% of pregnancies worldwide and is the most common cause of premature births. Babies born prematurely face many health risks: their underdeveloped lungs do not function properly, they are highly susceptible to infections, and they have difficulty nursing. Studies have suggested that inadequate levels of vitamin C in the cells of pregnant women might be linked to increased PROM risk. Vitamin C, an antioxidant nutrient found in fruits and vegetables, plays an important role in the production and repair of connective tissues throughout the body and is believed to be critical to the maintenance of the fetal sac membranes. In one study, women with high dietary intake of vitamin C were less likely to experience PROM than women with low intake. The effect of vitamin C supplementation on risk of PROM has not been previously studied. In the current study, 120 healthy women who were less than 20 weeks pregnant were randomly assigned to receive either 100 mg of vitamin C per day or placebo. Each woman was evaluated upon entry to the study and every four weeks from week 20 of their pregnancy until...