Vitamin D
In our practice and in the community in general, there are a lot of questions about Vitamin D and its health effects. Testing Vitamin D levels is becoming standard as is the idea that most people need daily supplements. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is synthesized by the body with sun exposure and can be ingested in food and supplements.
Recently, the Institute of Medicine, an independent non-profit scientific body, asked fourteen scientists to review more than 1000 studies in an effort to evaluate the research and better educate the public about Vitamin D. They confirmed that this vitamin is essential for healthy bone metabolism. They were not able to substantiate many of the more recently touted health benefits including improved immune functioning, cardiovascular and diabetes protection and decreased cancer risks. They determined that a level of 20ng/ml is sufficient to maintain bone health and 600 IU’s of daily dietary intake is sufficient to achieve adequate stores for individuals younger than 71.
These recommendations did not include any vitamin D synthesis through sun exposure, which can contribute substantially to total Vitamin D levels. And in a recent meta-analysis of 18 studies in pregnancy, the authors found no evidence that Vitamin D deficiency caused any pregnancy related complications.
Written by Mary Culliton, CNM