Supplement Spotlight #2: Vitamin D

The Vitamin D found in the Life Cafe

Vitamin D is an important supplement to use.  Most people thought it was just a fat soluble Vitamin but new research is finding it is much more as it has a major influence on mood, the immune system and endocrine system.

It has been shown to do the following:

1. Canadian studies showed it lowered the risks of all forms of cancer by 77% in women and 60% in men1 
2. Greatly reduces inflammation[1]
3. Helps prevent autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis[1]
4. Helps support a healthy immune system[1]
5. Helps prevent Parkinson’s disease[1]
6. Helps prevent both type 1 and type 2 diabetes[1]
7. Helps maintain healthy musculoskeletal structure[1]
8. Support a healthy mood and prevent seasonal affective disorders[1]
9. Supports brain health[1]
10. Is critical for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus[1]
11. Is arguably the most potent antioxidant[1]
12. Can increase testosterone levels[2]

Everyone reading this should have their Vitamin D levels tested yearly.  Some experts encourage testing it four times/year[2].  The Vitamin D Council suggests a level of 60 ng/dL to help prevent cancer[1].  For those people who have autoimmune illness 80-100 ng/dL is suggested[1].  As far as toxic levels try to avoid going over 100 ng/dL[1].

Regarding Vitamin D dosage most people have low levels and will benefit from taking 5,000 i.u daily.  An interesting point is if large dosages are taken less frequently, Vitamin D levels will increase faster[2].  For example it may be more effective to take 35,000 i.u of Vitamin D once/week versus 5,000 i.u. every day[2].  Either way make sure you get your Vitamin D tested and supplement with it accordingly based on your level.  It is one of the simplest ways to feel better physically and mentally.

References:
1.    Gedgaudas, N. 2011.  Primal Body, Primal Mind.  Rochester, VT:  Healing Arts Press.
2.    Retrieved from: http://www.charlespoliquin.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/875/Five_Steps_To_Manage_Your_Vitamin_D_Levels_.aspx 
 
This post is not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations in this and other posts is at the choice and risk of the reader.