The Sunshine Vitamin

Recent research into the preventive benefits of vitamin D has raised hopes that optimizing levels of  “the sunshine vitamin” will contribute to better health status for all Canadians, including seniors.

Vitamin D was originally discovered in 1918 as a necessary nutrient to prevent the disease Rickets. In more modern times vitamin D has become famous primarily for aiding in the absorption of the mineral calcium. However, in recent years there has been an explosion of research linking vitamin D deficiency to a wide range of degenerative conditions such as; osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, different forms of cancer, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, influenza, prostate health, high blood pressure, diabetes, seasonal affective disorder, migraines and more.

Vitamin D is a vitamin that is found naturally in only a few foods. A person would have to drink ten tall glasses of fortified milk each day to consume minimum levels from their diet.  It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from food alone.

Because of this dietary challenge and a common lack of sun exposure Vitamin D insufficiency has become frighteningly typical. A recent study conducted by Statistics Canada found that one in ten, or more than 3 million Canadians, have such low levels of vitamin D in their blood, they lack adequate amounts for good bone health. (1) The study went on to report that two-thirds of the Canadian population have vitamin D levels below amounts recommended for cancer prevention. (2) Amongst the Zoomer population, those with insufficient vitamin D status were more likely to suffer from loss of balance, falls and fractures. (3)

Although there is debate in the medical community regarding optimal levels of vitamin D for disease prevention and optimal health, there are a few points of consensus to consider:

Chronic vitamin D deficiency cannot be reversed overnight: it takes months of vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure to rebuild the body's bones and nervous system.

So what should you look for in a vitamin D supplement?  Recent literature shows that most calcium supplements have too little vitamin D to be effective, so an additional vitamin D supplement will provide the greatest benefits. I recommend that Zoomers check supplement labels, as many contain vitamin D2, a synthetic form of the vitamin that is poorly absorbed in the body. Most-over-the counter vitamin D supplements and all prescription vitamin D supplements contain vitamin D2.  I encourage Zoomers to look for natural vitamin D3 which is absorbed more easily, stays in the body longer and has a greater effect.  Supplements that are made from organic ingredients, are sourced from food and that don’t contain binders or fillers, will provide the best results.

Resources

(1-4) Statistics Canada http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/2010001/article/11137-eng.htm

(5) Martin Mittelstaedt, The Globe & Mail, March 24, 2010

(6) Reinhold Vieth, Professor of Nutrition, University of Toronto

(7) Cannell JJ, et al. Epidemic influenza and vitamin D. Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Dec;134(6):1129-40. Epub 2006 Sep 7.

(8) Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/vitamin/vita-d-eng.php

(9) Canadian Cancer Society