Vitamin D: The Coming Nutritional Superstar

Vitamin D – the fat-soluble vitamin primarily obtained through sun exposure – is getting superstar attention.

The beneficial results from recent research and testing of vitamin D are astounding. Originally prescribed only by nutritionists for maintaining bone health and overshadowed by recent health fads like pomegranate juice and the açai berry, recent research suggests vitamin D can decrease the risk of common killers that include cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pneumonia.  In fact, one Finnish study followed 1200 children for 30 years and found the children who took a 2000 IU vitamin D every day had an 80% reduced risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.

Who is at Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency? 

Despite the many benefits, an estimated 75% of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Populations close to the equator appear less deficient than those further away and darker skin requires more sun exposure to synthesize vitamin D.

Prolonged deficiency of this nutrient can have serious consequences.  A report from Canada found the cost in human mortality would fall by 37,000 deaths annually if Canadians increased vitamin D levels.

What is the Optimum Vitamin D Dosage?

Scientists still can’t agree on an optimum vitamin D dose.  For years, the Federal Drug Administration has recommended 200 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day from infancy to age 50.  Most researchers agree this number is outdated and speculate between 1000 and 2000 IU per day would be a beneficial daily dose.

For more detailed information about vitamin D research and links to vitamin D-related articles, visit our Vitamin D resource page.

Sources:

Brody, Jane E. “What Do You Lack? Probably Vitamin D.” The New York Times – Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 26 July 2010. Web. 28 July 2010.

Elina, Hypponen. “Intake of Vitamin D and Risk of Type I Diabetes: A Birth-Cohort Study.” Search Journal. The Lancet, 3 Nov. 2001. Web. 28 July 2010.

Grant, W. B. “An Estimate of the Economic Burden and Premature Deaths Due to Vitamin D Deficiency in Canada.” PubMed.com. U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 29 Mar. 2010. Web. 28 July 2010.

Vitamin D ‘reduces Risk of Diabetes’BBC News – Home. 2 Nov. 2001. Web. 28 July 2010.

Anne-Marie Chalmers, MD

Born and raised in the United States, Dr. Chalmers graduated from Brown University and completed her medical training at the University of Oslo in Norway. Dr. Chalmers practiced medicine for many years, serving both at high-tech hospitals and as a community health worker in rural Norway. Together with Dr. Martinsen, she later co-founded Wellpride LLLP dba Omega3 Innovations and is the joint holder of several patents that facilitate the ingestion of multiple medication combinations. Today, she serves as the president of Omega3 Innovations.

Share
Published by
Anne-Marie Chalmers, MD
Categories: Uncategorized

Recent Posts

Does Taking Fish Oil Lower Cholesterol?

Many people believe that incorporating omega-3s into their diet will solve their cholesterol woes. But…

8 months ago

Melatonin & COVID-19: Can This ‘Sleep Hormone’ Help?

It started with a runny nose and a slight cough. But when his 72-year-old wife…

1 year ago

Is It Good to Store Fish Oil in the Freezer?

Fish oil is a great source of the omega-3 fatty acids we all need for…

1 year ago

Our Favorite Omega-3 Fish Oil Benefits

Omega-3 fish oil certainly has a reputation for delivering a plethora of incredible benefits. And…

1 year ago

Omega-3 Fish Oil For Hair Growth

By now you’ve probably heard of the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for a…

1 year ago

Vitamin D and COVID-19: Up to the Minute

Vitamin D has made headlines many times these last few years of the pandemic. The…

2 years ago