Monday, May 10, 2010

Monday "Did you know...?" Vitamin D

"Current research has implicated vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease, and more."
The government recommends about 400 IU, but contemporary views for optimal health place this closer to 2000 IU (or drinking 40-50 glasses of milk a day!).


What to do in summary? Sun, sun, sun! Supplement appropriately. Dietary sources.

Read some here
or
Read more here.

As always, do not confuse this post with professional advice. Always consult a physician when considering health and fitness lifestyle decisions.

2 comments:

Wakinyan4 said...

Good stuff Matt, I did find a little more definitive info on exposure, experts say that for fair-skinned individuals going outside in midday sun in shorts and a tanktop for 10 minutes with no sunscreen will give you enough UVB radiation for your skin to produce about 10,000IU of Vitamin D. UVB also has one major side-effect other than sunburn. UVB radiation is hazardous to your eyes, so wear sunglasses with polycarbonate lenses because PC blocks UV radiation at all wavelengths.

Corina said...

I was recently diagnosed as Vitamin D deficient. I have taken a supplement weekly for 8 weeks and will go back for a follow up soon. Since starting the supplements I sleep more soundly and my mood has improved. Sleep had been an issue for some time but the mood boost was unexpected! My level was 1/2 of what it should be so I am curious as to what it will be when I go back! Thanks for all the info Matt!

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