Vitamin D-The New Supervitamin?

I know of a Bariatric Surgeon here in Atlanta that recommends to all his bypass surgery patients that they take in a 50,000 I.U. dose of vitamin D each day to deter a vitamin D deficiency. While that may be a bit of a high dose for folks like you and me just consider the statistic that 257,000 cancer deaths in 2007 were linked to low vitamin D levels. Here is why experts say it's time to get way more vitamin D. The "D" in vitamin D does not stand for deficiency but it might as well. Current guidelines call for 200 to 600 I.U. daily; many researchers now feel we may need up to 1000 I.U. or more from vitamin D rich foods such as fish and low fortified dairy products, 10 to 15 minutes of direct sunlight daily, and supplements. New studies show stocking up on the "sunshine vitamin" may improve your health in a variety of ways. Here is why:

Getting enough D can:
Relieve backaches. Among 360 back pain patients, symptoms improved in 95% of those who took a high dose of vitamin D daily for 3 months.

Ward of cancer:
Higher levels may cut in half your risk of getting breast, colon, or rectal cancer; consuming 300 I.U. daily reduced pancreatic cancer risk up to 44% compared with those who consumed less than 150 I.U. daily.

Deter diabetes:
In a study of more than 83,000 women, those with the highest combined intakes of calcium and vitamin D had the lowest risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Being deficient in D can:
Damage your heart. Inadequate amounts may increase the risk of peripheral artery disease by 80%.

Weaken bones:
Eighty five percent of women hospitalized for osteoporotic hip fractures have a deficiency of vitamin D.

Increase the blues:
Blood levels of D were 14% lower in depressed individuals a recent study discovered.

Shorten your life:
Among 13,331 adults, a deficiency boosted premature death risk by 26%.

This very inexpensive vitamin can make a difference in your health, well being and quality of life.
I'm going to start on this supplement myself, why don't you consult your primary care Physician to see if this vitamin could be to your benefit. If you do start a vitamin D regimin, after consulting with your Physician, please let me know if you are feeling any difference and perhaps we can blog your results.

As always, thank you so much for your support in 2008, Jan and I wish you a mega prosperous 2009 and if we can do anything at all for you, please do not hesitate to call on us.

Gene C.