Vitamin D: Make Sure You’re Getting Enough

If you live above the Mason Dixon line, one thing is for certain; you might not be receiving enough Vitamin D in your daily diet. The debate over Vitamin D has been heating up. For years many top physicians and doctors around the world underestimated the importance of a consistent dose of Vitamin D. Marie Prinsen, MD, a family medicine provider at New London Hospital, recommends a dosage of 1,000 – 2,000 IU (International Units) a day for her patients.

Why is Vitamin D so important?

A study by The International Agency for Research on Cancer and The European Institute of Oncology conducted in 2007 found that taking Vitamin D supplements reduced the chance of death from cancer, heart disease and diabetes by 7%.  Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and have low levels of Vitamin D are more likely to die from the cancer compared to women with normal levels of the vitamin. In 2008 the American Academy of Pediatrics increased the Vitamin D levels for infants from 200 IU to 400 IU daily. For men, Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to prostate cancer, weight gain and depression.

According to the Vitamin D Council, at least 17 varieties of cancer are related to Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, which promotes bone growth. Not enough Vitamin D causes soft bones in children and fragile bones in adults. Vitamin D also helps regulate the immune system and neuromuscular system.

The best source for Vitamin D is free and usually easily accessible: the sun.  After 20-30 minutes of summer sun, the human body generates nearly 10,000 IU of Vitamin D. Other Vitamin D sources include the food you eat. Wild caught salmon, mackerel and mushrooms are considered the best food sources of Vitamin D. Milk is another good source.

So take advantage of every opportunity to soak up that Vitamin D. Take the dog for a walk, encourage your kids to play outside, and everyone will be a little bit happier! However make sure that sun exposure is in moderation. If you have light skin and will be in the sun for an extended period of time, make sure you use sunscreen.

The best way to decide if you are getting enough Vitamin D is to call your healthcare provider and ask for a simple blood test to determine your level of Vitamin D.

Marie Prinsen, MD is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She welcomes new patients and may be contacted at 526-5544.

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