Vitamin D part 2 of 2

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

Last week, we talked about vitamin D and its effects on your health.  This week we will explore the effects vitamin D has on cancer and other illnesses.

We know from scientific research that UVB from the sun is not constant wherever you are located.  It is influenced negatively by your latitude, the further north above 30° you are, the less there is available.  The time of year is a huge factor.  In the continental US there is virtually none available from the sun between September and April.  Clouds, pollution and altitude all decrease UVB availability.

Dr. John Cannell, founder of the Vitamin D Council, hypothesizes that influenza (flu) is merely a symptom of D deficiency.  A study of 19,000 Americans, by Dr. Adit Ginde, finds that “our study supports an important role for vitamin D in the prevention of common respiratory infections such as colds and flu.  Individuals with common lung diseases, such as emphysema or asthma, may be particularly susceptible to respiratory infections from vitamin D deficiency.”

Vitamin D part 1 of 2

Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.

One of the subjects I try to engage most patients in is that of nutrition and nutritional supplementation.  Coming into the winter months, a few words about vitamin D3 seem appropriate.

Did you know vitamin D is not really a vitamin at all?  It is a steroidal hormone precursor necessary to every cell in the body, yet not found in the natural food supply; except in eggs, liver and fatty fish.  Essentially, it affects your entire health condition.  Heart heath, skin health, the aging process, athletic performance, vascular system, immune system, bone health, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and pregnant women all need optimal vitamin D levels.  If you are eating a low fat to no fat diet, you need even more vitamin D.  Dark skinned people need more than normal due to melatonin blocking UVB rays entering the skin.  Vitamin D regulates over 2000 genes in the body!