| Mention Vitamin D to most people and they will try | | | | daily could cut the risk of colon cancer by 50% while |
| not to yawn. One of the less glamorous vitamins it is | | | | another study found a similar risk reduction for |
| known as the sunshine vitamin because our skin, | | | | pancreatic cancer in those who took vitamin D |
| when exposed to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, | | | | supplementation. Results of these studies are still |
| manufactures vitamin D. Not unexpectedly sunscreen | | | | inconclusive and require verification but point to an |
| on the skin blocks this production. The remainder of | | | | important role of vitamin D in cancer protection. |
| our body's supply of this vital vitamin comes from a | | | | Until recently the recommended daily allowance of |
| limited number of foods. The main role of vitamin D is | | | | Vitamin D was 400 IU. Some researchers now state |
| thought to promote intestinal absorption of calcium. | | | | that this amount is too low and advocate a daily |
| Calcium is crucial for bone development. Children | | | | intake of 1000 IU. Vitamin D can be found in Vitamin |
| without enough vitamin D suffer from a disorder of | | | | D supplemented milk, many multivitamins and calcium |
| abnormally soft bones known as rickets resulting in | | | | supplements. Yoghurt, margarine, cooking oils, |
| extreme bowing of the legs and dental problems. | | | | breakfast cereal and bread may also be fortified with |
| Adults with vitamin D deficiency can develop low | | | | vitamin D. Oily types of fish such as salmon, tuna, |
| blood calcium levels, osteoporosis, as well as | | | | and sardines are excellent sources of vitamin D. In |
| softening of the bone known as osteomalacia. | | | | particular the fish liver stores much of the vitamin, |
| Recent studies however, have shown that Vitamin D | | | | hence "cod liver oil" is an excellent vitamin D source. |
| may serve many other important functions in the | | | | The vitamin D we ingest in pills and food is an |
| body. Several investigators found that low Vitamin D | | | | inactive form of the vitamin which then must be |
| plays a role in "seasonal affective disorder" which is a | | | | activated in the kidney. For this reason those with |
| form of depression occurring during the winter when | | | | kidney disease frequently must receive medication |
| little sunlight is available. Low levels of Vitamin D can | | | | with activated vitamin D to prevent bone disease or |
| be found in Alzheimer's patients, and some | | | | other conditions related to low calcium levels in the |
| researchers believe low levels of this vitamin may | | | | blood. |
| contribute to loss of muscle tone and frequent falling | | | | A note of caution about vitamin D is sounded by |
| in the elderly. Recent studies link low Vitamin D levels | | | | some experts. While there is still plenty of debate |
| in pregnant women to the development of | | | | about the amount of vitamin D which could be toxic, |
| preeclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy). Vitamin D was | | | | most authorities believe that up to 2000IU daily |
| also shown to help lung function and to delay a | | | | should be safe. |
| common but serious eye disorder known as macular | | | | Only you and your doctor can decide on what |
| degeneration. | | | | medical treatments are best for you. The articles on |
| Studies also show that Vitamin D may help benefit | | | | such as this one are meant for educational purposes |
| the immune system and help reduce the incidence of | | | | only and should not be used to guide you in your |
| certain cancers. Recent studies suggest vitamin D | | | | medical care. Speak to your health professional |
| may help prevent or delay colon, breast and ovarian | | | | before undertaking to change or initiate medical |
| cancer. One study showed that 1000 IU of vitamin | | | | treatment plans. |