More on Vitamin D
The more I read about Vitamin D, the more convinced I am that it is far more important for our health. I can't help thinking that getting enough sunshine might be better than taking supplements. There might be something that sunshine does that goes beyond Vitamin D3 supplementation. Then again, a lot of the reports, including an MD I consulted with say that you cannot rely on sunshine for adequate vitamin D levels. Anyway, this is something to bear in mind.
Here are a bunch of of links taken from VitaminCouncil.org. You'll note that a lot of these articles are from respected news sites. VitaminCouncil.org has a ton of useful information regarding Vitamin D. I strongly recommend spending some time going through their material. Their newsletter archive is very informative as well.
CBC News
- 2008.05.17 Vitamin D: Boning up on the sunshine vitaminA good article with a summation of current research from the CBC in Canada.
Medical News Today
- 2008.05.16 Breast Cancer Spread And Poorer Survival Linked To Vitamin DMedical News Today's summation of the latest breast cancer study is some of the best coverage of the paper on the Internet.
The Washington Post
- 2008.05.16 Low Levels of Vitamin D Spell Trouble for Breast Cancer PatientsWomen with breast cancer who have a vitamin D deficiency at the time of diagnosis are more likely to have a recurrence or to die from their disease, a new study shows.
The LA Times
- 2008.05.16 Vitamin D deficiency linked to breast cancer, study finds
Patients with deficient levels at the time of diagnosis are more likely to have their cancer metastasize and turn deadly, researchers say. But experts caution against treating cancer with supplements.
Associated Press
- 2008.05.16 Vitamin D may help curb breast cancer, study finds
Breast cancer patients with low levels of vitamin D were much more likely to die of the disease or have it spread than patients getting enough of the nutrient, a study found
Star Tribune
- 2008.05.08 Come and get your sun: Covering up deprives your body of vitamin DNew research shows slathering on sunscreen can prevent, in addition to sunburn, the body's natural and needed production of vitamin D.
Courier Journal
- 2008.05.08 Major Points in the Vitamin D Debate
Courier Journal
- 2008.05.08 The Vitamin D dilemma
Diet and sun unlock the benefits, but you still may need supplements.
Natural News
- 2008.04.25 Higher Doses of Vitamin D Needed to Prevent Cancer
(NaturalNews) Experts are increasingly pushing for higher daily recommended intakes of vitamin D, saying that while current amounts may prevent signs of deficiency, they are insufficient to provide a protective benefit against cancer.
Nutra Ingredients USA
- 2008.04.23 Vitamin D, calcium combo may cut exercise-related stress fracturesDaily supplements of calcium and vitamin D, long linked to improving bone health, may also reduce the risk of stress fractures during exercise, scientists have reported.
United Press International
- 2008.04.21 Vitamin D Lessens Breast Cancer Risk
A study done on 1,394 women in Germany at the University Hospitals in Hamburg-Eppendorf, found a clear link between low levels of 25(OH)D and breast cancer.
Science Daily
Science Daily
- 2008.04.21 Vitamin D Important in Brain Development and FunctionA new study from the Children's Hospital and Research Center in Oakland creates a strong case for Vitamin D supplementation.
US News & World Report
6 Minutes
- 2008.04.15Vitamin D reverses diabetic neuropathyVitamin D supplementation is an effective treatment of neuropathic pain in Type 2 diabetes patients, new Australian research suggests.
United Press International
- 2008.04.14 Why vitamin D wards off colon cancer
Daily Mail - UK
The Washington Post
- 2008.03.26 Too Little Vitamin D May Soften Baby's Skull
Science Daily
- 2008.03.13 Vitamin D Reduces Type 1 Diabetes Risk
A new meta analysis from the Archives of Disease in Childhood shows that children given Vitamin D are %30 less likely to develop Type 1 Diabetes.
Science Daily
- 2008.03.29 Vitamin D Deficiency May Be To Blame For Soft Bones In Baby's Skull
A new study shows that babies with soft skulls are probably Vitamin D deficient.
The Charlotte Observer
- 2008.02.26 Are you D deficient?
The Charlotte Observer recently published an informative question and answer article about Vitamin D deficiency.
Scripps News
- 2008.02.15 We need to spend more time in the sun
Life on our planet requires sunlight to survive, and humans are no exception.
Contra Costa Times
- 2008.01.20 "Sunshine" nutrient may have key role in halting disease
...researchers are confidently pursuing evidence that vitamin D plays an important role in breast and prostate cancer prevention.
ABC News
- 2007.09.27 Vitamin D Gets an "A" For Great Nutrition
...there's one often overlooked vitamin making news for its many health benefits, and most aren't getting enough.
ArabianBusiness.com
- 2007.07.02UAE "vitamin D deficient" In certain Middle Eastern and other countries where conservative dress blocks exposure to sunlight, high levels of vitamin D supplementation may be needed to raise serum levels sufficiently in women, UAE researchers report.
Autism Today
- 2007.08Researcher sees link between vitamin D, autism ...a U.S. researcher is advancing a controversial hypothesis: that autism is related to vitamin D deficiency during fetal development and early childhood.
Babygooroo.com
- 2007.09.26Vitamin D Deficiency May Increase Risk for Preeclampsia ...researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences have linked low vitamin D levels in mothers to a five–fold increased risk of preeclampsia, a serious complication in pregnancy which can lead to fetal death.
- 2007.07.25Vitamin D Deficiency Stirs Debate Boston University researcher Michael Holick estimates that approximately 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient.
Baltimore Sun
- 2007.09.11Vitamin D might be factor in longer life Vitamin D is good for your bones, doctors have said for years, but new research suggests that taking a vitamin pill a day might extend your life.
BBC News
- 2007.07.28Sunshine "protective" against MS People who spend more time in the sun as children subsequently have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), a US study shows.
Boston Herald
- 2007.09.18Vitamin D sets you on the path to a longer life In a recent analysis of more than 18 studies involving nearly 60,000 people, those who took vitamin D supplements had a 7 percent reduction in mortality from all causes compared to those who didn't take the vitamin.
Canada.com
- 2007.09.25Experts prescribe massive increase of vitamin D A move to feed pregnant and nursing women 10 times more vitamin D than they get today may still not be enough to protect their babies from chronic diseases, especially in obese women, a top expert says.
- 2007.07.25Low vitamin D levels tied to higher blood pressure As blood levels of vitamin D drop, blood pressure increases, according to findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).
CancerConsultants.com
- 2007.09.25Vitamin D Linked with Reduced Risk of Death According to a combined analysis of 18 clinical trials, intake of ordinary doses of vitamin D supplements was linked with 7% reduction in overall risk of death.
- 2007.09.24Vitamin D Supplementation Decreases All Cause Mortality Including Cancer Deaths There is increasing evidence that higher intakes or increased levels of vitamin D are associated with a decreased risk of several types of cancer. The current data suggests that doses of 1–2000 IU/day are necessary for this preventative effect.
- 2007.07.27Higher Vitamin D Levels Linked with Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, people with higher plasma levels of vitamin D may have a reduced risk of developing colon cancer.
CBC News
- 2007.07.03Northern babies at greater risk of rickets: study Babies in Canada's North face a greater risk of developing bone?softening rickets than anywhere else in the country because of a lack of vitamin D, according to a new study.
Chicago Tribune
- 2007.09.16Vitamin D looks like a life?extender Vitamin D supplements could prolong your life, a new European study suggests.
Diabetes Health
- 2007.08.10Milk Lowers Men's Metabolic Syndrome Risk According to the review, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, people with the highest intakes of vitamin D and calcium had an eighteen percent lower risk of diabetes than those who ate the least.
Doctor's Guide
- 2007.09.26Vitamin D Deficiency Prevalent, Minimum Recommended Dose May Be Too Low: Presented at ASBMR Responses to vitamin D supplements vary among individuals, so clinicians need to monitor serum levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and evaluate monthly patterns, especially among patients who are vitamin D deficient.
EarthTimes.org
- 2007.07.25Enzyme key to vitamin D and cell function Canadian researchers believe the hydroxylase enzyme—found in vitamin D—plays an important role in human cell functions.
Epoch Times
- 2007.08.30Vitamin D's Crucial Role in Elder Mobility ...getting out in the sun may be one simple and free way for individuals to maintain their physical powers in old age.
Feel Great Coaching Wellness Blog
- 2007.08.01Vitamin D and Insulin If you have high blood sugar, taking vitamin D and calcium may keep it from rising further...
Fitness.com
- 2007.08.31Exposure to Sunlight Prevents Cancer The deficiency of Vitamin D in most people may be to blame for 600,000 cancer cases in the world each year.
Foodconsumer.org
- 2007.08.27Sunny Side of Cancer Prevention Many studies have linked higher latitudes with greater breast cancer risk, and seasonal variations are now thought to influence cancer incidence and mortality. The pivotal mediators in these relationships are believed to be sunshine and vitamin D.
Freep.com
- 2007.07.28Bone up on health ...Take a vitamin D supplement. "Most multivitamins contain 400 units of vitamin D," says Henry Bone, MD, who runs the Michigan Bone & Mineral Clinic in Detroit, which treats medical disorders affecting bone and mineral metabolism, and conducts clinical research for new drugs for osteoporosis. "For good bone health, much larger doses are necessary (for adults), at least 800–1,000 units per day."
Globe and Mail
- 2007.09.24Take more vitamin D, mothers told Pediatricians recommend tenfold increase for pregnant or breast?feeding women.
- 2007.07.06Researcher sees link between vitamin D and autism Dr. John Cannell , a psychiatrist and prominent vitamin D advocate, says flagging levels of the vitamin in pregnant women and young children could be the elusive factor explaining the rising rate of autism.
Hamilton Spectator
- 2007.07.04Rise of rickets cases stuns MDs Hamilton kids are getting rickets because of a lack of vitamin D.
Houston Chronicle
- 2007.09.28Sunnier outlook may help fight against prostate cancer Men diagnosed with prostate cancer during the summer and autumn are more likely to survive than those diagnosed in the spring and winter...
inthenews.co.uk
- 2007.08.24Calcium supplements "beneficial" for over 50s When people took calcium and vitamin D doses of 800 IU (international units) or more the risk was reduced by 16 percent. Vitamin D doses of less than 800 IU produced a reduced risk of 6 percent.
Independent.ie
- 2007.08.04Women need place in the sun in the battle of breast cancer risk Women who stay out of the sun are increasing their risk of developing breast cancer, a new study suggests.
Indystar.com
- 2007.09.16Vitamin D good for more than bones Study says substance also aids organs and could play a role in reducing heart disease.
KaiserNetwork.org
- 2007.07.13Study Finds Many Children Have Low Levels of Vitamin D, Black Children More Likely To Be Affected Of children living in the Northeast U.S., 55% had low levels of vitamin D and more than 90% of black children had low levels, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Bloomberg reports.
KPBS San Diego
- 2007.07.17Sunshine Could Help Prevent Cancer and Diabetes A San Diego researcher says that sunshine could be important in preventing many cancers and Type I diabetes.
Laboratory Product News
- 2007.07.30Enzyme discovery sheds light on vitamin D Surprising findings by Queen's University researchers have shed new light on how the vitamin D is broken down in the human body.
Media?Newswire.com
- 2007.07.02 Press ReleaseSomalis in Bristol at risk from vitamin D deficiency The reasons for the deficiency are various and include risk factors such as length of time since the patient left their country of ethnic origin, family history, wearing clothes that fully cover the skin and eating a restricted diet.
Medicexchange.com
- 2007.07.27Patients with osteoporotic fractures benefit from a year of calcium plus vitamin D Among patients with a recent low?energy fracture, a year of treatment with calcium and vitamin D reduces bone turnover, according to findings published in the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The intervention increases bone mineral density (BMD) in those younger than 70 years of age, and decreases bone loss in older patients.
Minnesota Public Radio
- 2007.08.17 Feature audioLow vitamin D levels tied to higher blood pressure ...recent news about Vitamin D suggests its deficiencies might have a link to everything from high blood pressure to certain forms of cancer. (Real Audio Format)
Mo Blogs
- 2007.08.25High cholesterol, low vitamin D and its significance Did you know that vitamin D is created from cholesterol? Provide your skin with adequate sunlight and excess cholesterol is turned into vitamin D, a hormone with responsibilities including calcium [metabolism], blood sugar regulation, blood pressure regulation, mental health function, diabetes prevention…and the list grows.
National Post
- 2007.07.03Let's all steal some sunshine (it's good for us) Canadians have long been in the dark about a powerful disease fighter. But lately, thanks to a slew of new studies, vitamin D is a nutrient whose importance is finally coming to light.
Natural Products Insider
- 2007.08.20Genistein Teams Up With Calcium, D on Heart Risks The scientists said results suggest intervention with 54 mg/d genistein, plus calcium, vitamin D3 and a healthy diet, was associated with favorable effects on both glycemic control and some CVD risk markers in osteopenic, postmenopausal women.
NIH News
- 2007.08.17New Vitamin D Evidence Report Reveals Gaps in Knowledge and Serves as Basis for Upcoming NIH Conference on Vitamin D and Bone Health A new evidence report on vitamin D and bone health reviews the current scientific evidence and identifies its strengths and weaknesses. This report will be a valuable resource for an upcoming National Institutes of Health conference September 5–6 that will examine a range of scientific perspectives related to vitamin D and bone health across the lifecycle.
Nutra Ingredients
- 2007.08.24Calcium and vitamin D linked to cutting fractures A new meta?analysis on calcium and vitamin D supplementation in cutting osteoporotic fractures in people aged over 50 could quell concerns over conflicting outcomes of previous studies.
- 2007.07.25Low vitamin D levels linked to higher blood pressure People with low blood levels of vitamin D may be at an increased risk of higher blood pressure—a problem that could be easily remedied with supplements, says a new study.
- 2007.07.19Calls get louder to raise vitamin D levels Recommended daily intakes of vitamin D should be quadrupled to 800 International Units, says a leading US expert from Boston University School of Medicine.
- 2007.07.17Low vitamin D levels may increase metabolic syndrome risk Low blood levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome among obese people, suggests a new study from Spain.
- 2007.07.09Vitamin D, calcium boost bone health after fractures—study Supplementation with vitamin and calcium could cut reduce bone loss in patients with recent osteoporotic fractures, suggests a new study from Denmark.
- 2007.07.04Vitamin D levels may affect heart health—study Increasing levels of vitamin D could boost heart health, says a large study from the US that also calls for studies to assess a direct benefit of vitamin supplements.
- 2007.07.02Vitamin D, calcium may prevent, improve diabetes Combined supplementation with vitamin D and calcium may improve blood sugar and insulin levels, suggests a new meta?analysis and review.
Press TV
- 2007.07.27Sun exposure reduces MS risk A new study conducted on identical twins suggests that children who spend more time in the sun have a lower risk for developing MS as adults.
Reuters
- 2007.08.02One dose of vitamin D boosts TB immunity In healthy people who have been exposed to tuberculosis, a single oral dose of vitamin D enhances their immunity against this bacterial infection.
Sacramento Bee
- 2007.07.29Nutrition Quiz Vitamin D is often known as the sunshine vitamin. Do you know why? Here's a quiz to find out how much you know about vitamin D and why it is an important part of a well?balanced diet.
Scotsman.com
- 2007.09.18Don't be sad Research has also indicated that vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) can also help counteract sad, because it is connected to an increase in serotonin.
Telegraph
- 2007.07.16Why vitamin D is so vital Grey skies this summer mean that children are more at risk of developing weak bones and other diseases, says Oliver Gillie.
thisislondon.co.uk
- 2007.08.22Want to avoid breast and colon cancer? Get outdoors, say scientists Almost 30,000 cases of breast and colon cancer a year could be prevented by Britons spending more time in the sun to boost vitamin D levels, say researchers.
Times Online
- 2007.08.04Sunshine helps in the fight against breast cancer There has been anecdotal evidence to suggest that breast cancer is less common among women who live closer to the Equator, where the sunshine is stronger.
UCSD Medical Center
- 2007.08.21Study Shines More Light on Benefit of Vitamin D in Fighting Cancer 600,000 cases a year of breast and colorectal cancer could be prevented each year by adequate intake of vitamin D, according to Cedric F. Garland DrPH, cancer prevention specialist and vitamin D expert.
Washington Post
- 2007.07.19One Billion People Don't Get Enough Vitamin D Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem that can lead to a number of serious health conditions, but it can be prevented, says one expert.