D is for Deficiency

Several years ago, a local senior's group asked me to present on a topic relative to Osteoporosis.  They already knew that weight bearing exercise was key, they regularly practiced those exercises, and most were on a calcium supplement.  I decided to present on Vitamin D, citing it's imperative role in the absorption of calcium.  And, so, the virtues of Vitamin D were brought to light.

Last summer, when having my routine physical and blood work, my physician asked if I'd like to have my Vitamin D levels checked.  I easily agreed as I had been hearing so many people low in D.  But, it was summer, I had spent a significant amount of time outside, and I took a multi-vitamin daily.  No worries.  To my surprise, my levels were in fact lower than recommended.

How could this be?  Here's a more "light on the subject".  According to the 2011 National Center for Health Data statistics, one in three Americans have Vitamin D levels below what is recommended for bone health.  I guess I'm not alone.

Few foods are natural sources of vitamin D and most of us have been more worried about blocking the UVB rays than letting our body absorb them for the purpose of Vitamin D production.  Summer turns into fall and the sun is offering us less UVB anyway from November to February.  In addition, we in the North East are bundled up, covering our arms and legs and the rays couldn't get to us if they wanted to!

When considering how much vitamin D you aren't getting naturally, here's a few more thoughts.  Studies have shown that obesity is correlated to low D levels and being overweight effects the bioavailability of the Vitamin D you do get.  As we age, we appear to be less efficient Vitamin D producers, and the darker skinned we are, the more UVB exposure we need for this purpose.

Many physicians are now recommending that we take 800 IU of Vitamin D daily.  While Vitamin D is important for bone mineral density, it is also important in the prevention of high blood pressure, cancer and certain auto immune diseases.  Other roles include cell growth and development, immune function and reduction of inflammation.  Chronic migraines have been associated with Vitamin D deficiency.  Supplementing sounds so simple, but Vitamin D can interfere with some medications so be sure to consult your doctor before supplementing.

It is interesting, though.  Vitamin D maybe the deficiency you didn't even know about.