Tip of the Week--June 22, 2009

To D or not to D

About 10-15 years ago scientists realized that wasn't just bone-forming cells that were affected by vitamin D. Almost every cell in our body has receptors for vitamin D.

So scientists set out to discover what else vitamin D does. The short answer is "a lot".

• Vitamin D is essential for a strong immune system. Some experts think that may just be why winter is cold & flu season.
• Significantly reduces the risk of several types of cancer, especially colon, breast, lung and prostate cancer. Plus, some studies suggest that adequate vitamin D intake may make cancer treatment more effective.
• May reduce heart disease risk as well. Studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation reduces the levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for the inflammation associated with heart disease. In addition, a combination of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium can also lower blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
• Finally, there are a number of studies suggesting that vitamin D is beneficial in preventing auto-immune diseases. For example, in the Nurses Health Study just 400 IU of vitamin D was sufficient to reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis by 40%.

Ask your doctor to test your blood levels of vitamin D when you go in for your next physical. We are all unique individuals. What may be perfectly adequate sun exposure and vitamin D intake for someone else may not be adequate for you. Only by having your blood levels tested will you know if you are getting enough of this vital nutrient.

Where can you get Vitamin D? From sun exposure and your diet. Ten to 15 minutes per day in the sun will give you adequate amounts of vitamin D. Forget the old advice to slather yourself with sunscreen every time you set foot outside of the house. You still want to avoid prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen. If you plan on being out in the sun, click here for a natural sun block, that nourishes the skin and allows vitamin d into your skin.

Osteomatrix (click) is a food based supplement with an RDA of of 400 IU (100%) per serving.

HAPPY SUMMER!!

Mary Beth

www.mamabearproductions.net