Just about the only time most of us notice vitamin D is when we see it on a milk cartoon and even then we’re oblivious to it, but growing research says that maybe we shouldn’t be.
A study published earlier this week in Genome Research has mapped out the points where vitamin D interacts with our DNA. It also looked at how a deficiency of the vitamin in the body can increase the risk of a number of chronic conditions and illnesses.
Deficiencies in vitamin D can contribute to lower insulin production, which can exacerbate type-1 diabetes, sometimes called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. This is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
Overall, vitamin D works in several ways. Dr. Allen C. Bowling, a neurologist at the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center, said, “It’s well known that vitamin D works to promote calcium absorption (which is why it’s in milk) for strong bones. However, recent research also suggests that vitamin D may have important effects on the immune system, and may help regulate cell growth and differentiation.
“In studies of immune cells, vitamin D shows anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, a prior large ten-year study found that women who took vitamin D supplements were 40% less likely to multiple sclerosis.”
Researchers of this month’s study are encouraging women of childbearing years to make sure that they take in an adequate amount of vitamin D.
Dr. Sreeam Ramagopalan, an author of this month’s findings, said, “Our study implies that taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and early years may have a beneficial effect on a child’s health in later life. Some countries such as France have initiated this a routine public health measure.
“The main source of vitamin D in the body comes from exposing the skin to sunlight, although a diet of oily fish can provide some of the vitamin.” These oily fish include: catfish, salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and eel. Other common sources of vitamin D are whole eggs, beef liver, cod liver oil, and mushrooms.
Dr. Bowling believes that “Vitamin D is safe at reasonable doses and is relatively inexpensive,” adding that, “The FDA approves of 200 IU for 19-50 year olds and 400 IU for people over 50. Doses higher than 2000 IU a day are considered risky.”
DR. Bowling also cautions that vitamin D supplements should be avoided or taken with close doctor supervision by people with kidney disease, hypocalcaemia, sarcoidosis, or hyperparathyroidism.
Vitamin D may also interfere with cardiac glycosides medications. There is also a small increases in the risk of kidney stones.
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