Our Vitamin D Deficiency

July 13, 2010 by Muryal
Filed under Diet

We are hearing reports frequently these days about our Vitamin D deficiency, which reminds me of an experience in my past.

Vitamin D

During a visit to Cameroon, West Africa, it was interesting to notice that all the hospitals were built with a large courtyard area in the center. The patients’ rooms were around the edge of this large square area with doors opening into that area.

The most remarkable element of the patient care that was that all patients were encouraged to spend several hours per day in the courtyard. One of the missionary doctors remarked that the sun is one of the best medicines, and said they had observed that during the rainy season when the patients were not able to get out into the sunshine, their recovery is slower for nearly every illness.

My African visit was many years ago, but recently I have thought about that experience many times as I have read about so much modern research that confirms the benefit of Vitamin D in relation to an almost limitless list of illnesses. We are just beginning to understand that our Vitamin D3 deficiency contributes to many conditions, including…

Osteoporosis
Mental decline
Cancer
Depression -Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Autoimmune disorders
Heart disease
Diabetes Type I and II
Parkinsons

For this blog we are especially interested in osteoporosis and have learned that insufficient Vitamin D3 contributes to that condition by reducing the absorption of calcium to the bones.

Concerning mental decline, in a recent study with 858 participants who were 65 or older and were deficient in Vitamin D, 60 percent more were found to have substantial cognitive decline than subjects with sufficient Vitamin D levels. Do you know anyone with Dementia who had a history of spending daily time out in the sun?

Cancer patients in eleven categories including colon, breast, skin and prostate were all found to be deficient in Vitamin D.

Depression in non-sunny weather is far more prevalent than in sunny seasons which is the reason for coining the term Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is also a condition for many who are indoors during the sunny times of the day in any season.

Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis are also on the rise.

And Heart Disease is still the number one cause of death in the United States.

Diabetes type I and II and Parkinsons have also been included on this list.

The Recommended Daily Allowance for Vitamin D of 400 I U is ridiculously low. We are now hearing new recommendations of at least 5000 I U per day — only as much as your body will produce in 1/2 hour of sunlight. Of course, if you are wearing sunscreen or are taking a cholesterol lowering drug, your body will not be able to produce any vitamin D naturally.

If you are purchasing a vitamin D supplement, you need to be sure you are getting vitamin D3 as any vitamin D2 is synthetic and does not have the benefits of the natural vitamin. Also, the sun is still our very best source for real vitamin D.

Dr. Mercola, who has the most visited health site on the internet, has found a
healthy alternative to being out in the sun for any who are interested. I am sending the link to his site HERE so that you can read more and listen to his video about the value of the sun, and though I cannot afford the product he is promoting, there is fascinating information in his video to encourage you and me to spend some time each day in the sunshine.

Vitamin D deficiency linked to Parkinson’s disease, cognitive decline (scientificamerican.com)
Vitamin D deficiency linked to cognitive problems: study (nationalpost.com)

Disclaimer: The FDA has not evaluated these statements. The contents of this post are not to be considered medical advice and are for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing health challenges, always consult your doctor for medical advice and follow it even if it contradicts the contents of this post.

Also, I may be compensated for the purchase of any product I recommend on this site.