The Many Benefits of Vitamin D-3

Increasingly more research is pointing towards the need for more natural vitamin D-3 in our diets. Not only does the D-3 help build strong bones and teeth, but this critical nutrient also plays a vital role in the prevention of some of the major diseases afflicting our modern world, including Diabetes, Coronary disease, and Cancer.

The best way to get plenty of vitamin vitamin D-3 is to get out in the sunshine every day, all-year round, for at least 30 minutes daily. However, not everyone's body processes Vitamin D-3 properly, and even some who live in tropical climates (lots of sunshine) have vitamin D-3 deficiency. One can test for vitamin D-3 in the privacy of their own home by using a Vitamin D-3 Dried Blood-Spot Test. D-3 is also available in certain foods including organic dairy, organic eggs, fatty fish, and cod liver oil. However, for most people the use of a high-quality liquid vitamin D-3 supplement that is bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body is recommended. As research continues, I'm sure even more benefits from this master vitamin will be discovered.


October 13, 2008
Doubling of Vitamin D for Children Is Urged
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO (AP) -- The country's leading group of pediatricians is recommending that children receive double the usually suggested amount of vitamin D because of evidence that it might help prevent serious diseases.

To meet the new recommendation of 400 units daily, millions of children will need to take vitamin D supplements each day, the American Academy of Pediatrics said. That includes breast-fed infants -- even those who get some formula -- and many teenagers who drink little or no milk.

Baby formula contains vitamin D, so infants fed only formula generally do not need supplements. However, the academy recommends breast-feeding for at least the first year of life, and breast milk is sometimes deficient.

Most commercially available milk is fortified with vitamin D, but most children do not drink enough of it -- four cups daily would be needed -- to meet the new requirement, said Dr. Frank Greer, who helped write the report.

The new advice is based on mounting research about potential benefits from vitamin D besides keeping bones strong, including suggestions that it might reduce the risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease. But the evidence is not conclusive, and there is no consensus on how much of the vitamin would be needed for disease prevention.

The advice replaces a 2003 academy recommendation for 200 units daily. That is the amount the government recommends for people up to age 50; 400 units is recommended for adults ages 51 to 70, and 600 units for those 71 and older. Vitamin D is sold in capsules and tablets, as well as in drops for young children.

The Institute of Medicine, a government advisory group that sets dietary standards, is discussing with federal agencies whether the recommendations should be changed based on the new research, said a spokeswoman, Christine Stencel.

The recommendations were to be released Monday at an academy conference in Boston. They will be published in the November issue of the academy's journal, Pediatrics.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/health/policy/13vitamind.html?_r=1&ref=health&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin