Vitamin D daily recommendations have been increased to 1000 IU DAILY! Increase recommendations for Canadian adults, under the age of 50 … 1000 IU daily! Vitamin D is well known for its role in building strong bones and teeth [Office of Dietary Supplements., 2007], but new research has led the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Dermatology Association to increase their recommendations for Canadian adults, under the age of 50, from 200 IU of Vitamin D to 1000 IU daily. Higher vitamin D and calcium levels have been linked to lower risk for some cancers, including colorectal, breast and colon cancers [Canadian Cancer Society, 2007]. Sun exposure on bare skin is the major source of vitamin D, but length of seasons, geographic latitude, cloud cover, smog, and sunscreens can reduce UV ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis [Office of Dietary Supplements., 2007]. Adequate Vitamin D in childhood prevents rickets and in adults prevents osteomalacia (soft bones). Vitamin D deficiencies are also linked to, muscle weakness as well as general aches and pains. To minimize health risks associated with UVB radiation exposure, while maximizing Vitamin D benefits, supplementation combined with small amounts of sun exposure, is the recommended way to assure optimum levels of vitamin D [Office of Dietary Supplements., 2007]. Cancer Studies: A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that taking Vitamin D supplements and calcium substantially reduces all-cancer risk in post menopausal women. The researchers found that the higher the levels of Vitamin D in the blood, the lower the relative risk of developing cancer. Another study suggests that women who consume more calcium and vitamin D may be less likely to develop breast cancer before menopause [Canadian Cancer Society, 2007] [Joan M Lappe, et al, 2007]. Vitamin D’s major biological function is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. With aging, less vitamin D is converted to its active form, and a deficiency can occur in older men and post-menopausal women. In a review of women hospitalized for hip fractures due to osteoporosis, 50 percent were found to have signs of vitamin D deficiency [LeBoff MS,, et al, 1999]. Caffeine can increase bone loss, but increasing calcium and vitamin D intake may counteract this effect. References: 1. The Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp. 09/19/2007 2. Canadian Cancer Society. Canadian Cancer Society Announces Vitamin D Recommendation June 08, 2007 www.cancer.ca 3. Joan M Lappe, Dianne Travers-Gustafson, K Michael Davies, Robert R Recker and Robert P Heaney. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85, No. 6, 1586-1591, June 2007 © 2007 American Society for Nutrition 4. LeBoff MS, Kohlmeier L, Hurwitz S, Franklin J, Wright J, Glowacki J. Occult vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal US women with acute hip fracture. J Am Med Assoc 1999;251:1505-11. [PubMed abstract]
|
|
