Vitamin D Deficiency Is Linked With A Wide Range Of Diseases

Vitamin D Deficiency Is Linked With A Wide Range Of Diseases
by Mary Ann Copson

33% reduction in type 2 diabetes

72% reduction in number of falls in the elderly

42% reduction in multiple sclerosis in women

And those without adequate levels are at risk for:

200% increase in type 1 diabetes in children

30-50% more cancers

Optimal levels result in a 77% reduction in cancer incidence.

Life Extension Foundation Research shows that achieving adequate Vitamin D levels
in the US population could prevent as many as ¾ of all cancers in as little as four
years.

Research also reveals that 275,00 American lives could be saved each year if a
nationwide program to get adequate Vitamin D levels was implemented.

Low levels of have been identified as a "health crisis emergency". Everything should
be done to ensure that everyone achieves optimal Vitamin D status.

"Because of convincing evidence of benefit and the strong evidence of safety, we
urge those who have the ability to support public health - the media, vitamin
manufacturers, and policy makers - to undertake new initiatives that will have a
realistic chance of making a difference in terms of vitamin D nutrition." (--American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition

A review article in the July 19, 2007 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine
documents that those with less than optimal Vitamin D levels have increase incidence
of: Autoimmune diseases Osteoarthritis Depression Hypertension Pulmonary
disorders Schizophrenia Cardiovascular diseases

In addition, low levels have been related to:

Osteoporosis

Muscle weakness

Hypothyroidism

Non-specific musculoskeletal pain

Chronic low back pain

Fibromyalgia

Stroke

Between 40-100% of elderly people in the US and Europe have insufficient or
deficient levels of Vitamin D. Even children and young adults who supplement with
400 IU of Vitamin D and consume vitamin rich foods can be low in the D vitamin.

And don't count on sunlight exposure to increase your natural levels.

Vitamin D levels can remain low in some people despite abundant exposure to
sunlight. 51% of individuals who had a mean of 11.1 hours per week of total body
skin exposure with no sunscreen used still remained low in Vitamin D levels. Tanned
skin loses its ability to manufacture Vitamin D and as we age our ability to convert
vitamin D in the skin becomes further diminished.

Your Vitamin D status can be assessed by having your blood tested. Vitamin D
testing identifies Vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of numerous health
problems. Further testing monitors Vitamin D levels during supplementation to ensure
adequate levels are achieved and protects against possible overdosing and toxicity.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that the "minimum Vitamin D blood
levels needed to reduce disease risk is 30 ng/mL" and that it is rare for members of
the US population to achieve this.

To account for the significant individual dose response variability, an optimal strategy
is to achieve a serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) level of around 60 ng/mL.
Depending on your current vitamin D levels you may need to take up to 5,000 IU or
more of Vitamin D to achieve this optimal disease prevention level.

The good news is that Vitamin D is inexpensive. That's why testing for Vitamin D will
never be popularized by the media - because there is no expensive drug to push.

It is important to remember that it is the amount of Vitamin D in the blood that
determines disease risk - not the amount of Vitamin D consumed. Excess fat in the
body can lock up Vitamin D and prevent utilization.

Until recently, a test for Vitamin D levels meant a trip to the doctor and a blood draw.
But now, a few drops of blood from a quick and nearly painless prick of the finger
with a few spots of blood placed on special collection paper are all that is needed.
This can be done at home. It's convenient, quick and suitable for all populations from
pediatric to the elderly.

Your blood spot sample is sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. You'll have
accurate results in just a few days.

Blood spot testing ensures that you achieve optimal levels of Vitamin D and avoid the
multiple risks associated with low levels.

About The Author

Mary Ann Copson is a Certified Licensed Nutritionist; Certified Holistic Health
Practitioner; Brain Chemistry Profile Clinician; and a Health, Wellness and Lifestyle
Coach. Find the Vitamin D Blood Spot Test and more at .

Vitamin D deficiencies are very
common, particularly in northern
climates. Lack of sunshine, wearing
clothing, and use of sunscreens
inhibits the natural creation of this
essential vitamin in the skin.

Do you know what your Vitamin D
levels are?

Having optimal levels is a simple and
inexpensive health change that can
provide a:

78% reduction in type1 diabetes
in children

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.