By Dr. Sidney Stohs
Submitted by Pamela Klim, Independent Advocare Distributor.
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| Pamela Klim |
Numerous research studies in recent years have shown important relationships between vitamin D deficiencies and many health problems and diseases in humans. The production of rickets in children and osteomalacia (softening of the bone) in adults by a vitamin D deficiency has been known for almost 90 years.
However, vitamin D does far more than promote healthy bones and teeth. A deficiency of this fat-soluble vitamin has now been shown to be associated with increased incidences of heart attacks, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, periodontal disease, fractures, impaired cognitive functions, and many forms of cancer.
Over 50 percent of people in the United States are believed to be vitamin D deficient, and this number increases during the winter months. Vitamin D is naturally produced in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) upon exposure to sunlight (UVB). Production is dependent upon season, geographic latitude, cloud cover, time of day, use of sunscreen agents, and smog.
A recent study showed that individuals with low vitamin D levels were over 2.4 times as likely to have heart attacks. Another large study demonstrated a 26 percent increase in all-cause mortality in conjunction with low vitamin D status.
In addition to a lack of adequate sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency may be due to inadequate intake in the diet, disorders that limit intestinal absorption, impaired conversion to its active forms in the body, or hereditary disorders.
Exceedingly few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D. In addition to the vitamin D produced in the skin, vitamin D is derived from fungal and algal plant sources. The richest natural source is fish liver oils as cod liver oil where it is concentrated by fish feeding on vitamin D producing algae. Other dietary sources include whole eggs, beef liver, and vitamin D fortified milk. Dietary supplements provide the most consistent source of vitamin D.
Vitamin D status can be estimated by measuring plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, a metabolite of vitamin D produced primarily in the liver. Current research indicates that a daily intake of at least 800-1000 IU (20-25 micrograms) of vitamin D per day is needed to maintain plasma and tissue levels in the optimal range and thus alleviate many of the deficiency-associated conditions described above.
The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends 2000 IU daily for pregnant and breast-feeding women. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has recently established a committee to recommend the daily amount of vitamin D most appropriate based on age, gender, and other considerations. The large body of new and exciting research on vitamin D will form the basis for these recommendations. Recent studies indicate that the upper limit of safety for vitamin D is approximately 10,000 IU for adults.
In summary, a very high percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a large number of adverse health conditions and disease states including an increased risk of dying. Dietary supplements constitute the most consistent and reliable source of vitamin D.
AdvoCare’s CorePlex and Calcium Plus are outstanding products which help meet daily needs not only of vitamin D but also a host of other essential vitamins and minerals.
Pamela Klim is an Advocare Independent Distributor residing in Bettendorf, Iowa. Pam’s passion is helping others achieve optimal health and wellness, weight loss, and/or sports performance with Advocare. Founded in 1993, they have set the industry standard for safety testing and cutting-edge science, using only the highest quality raw materials obtainable to make their supplements. Advocare’s full-spectrum line of supplements are for men, women, and athletes, and cover everything from weight loss, energy and mental focus, and sports performance to overall general health and wellness. They have been designed for anyone who wants to feel better, look better, and perform better every day. Pam also helps others share the products and pursue the Advocare income opportunity. For more information, please contact Pam at 563-940-2295, by email: klimwellness@gmail.com, or website:
www.advocare.com/03034246.
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