Friday, March 25, 2011
In an effort to reverse osteoarthritis, some people are turning to Vitamin D as the fountain of joint youth. Yes, vitamin D is very important for bone, cell and vascular health. Vitamin D unlocks the power of calcium and adds a boost to the immune system as well. But, is Vitamin D supplementation eno...
Last spring my vitamin D level was 22. I took 10,000 units of MaxD3 for five days in a row for three weeks, then went to 10,000 once a week. Finally got my level up to 33. Doc wants it above 40, so now I am taking 20,000 units of MaxD3 a week. My NP thinks 60 is a good level, too.
I was wondering why so many people are being found to have low levels of Vitamin D. What foods are rich in Vitamin D?
Thanks,
V
I think the "sudden" rise in the incidence of Vitamin D deficiency actually has to do with the fact the more people are being tested for it. Vitamin D levels were not tested for routinely even 10 years ago. Vitamin D deficiency in our population has likely always been there, but we just did not know it was there.
Others claim that the more agressive sunscreen use and fear of sun exposure has lead to less natural Vitamin D production. Again, this is doubtful considering that not long ago skin exposure was considered indecent even on the beach.
When it comes to food, not many natural sources of Vitamin D exist.
Food. Vitamin D is naturally present in very few foods – the most famous among them being cod liver oil. (Just one tablespoon provides 1360 units of the vitamin.) While that’s not a palatable option for most of us, you can get Vitamin D from saltwater fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. It’s also present in egg yolks and beef liver. A number of foods, notably milk and certain juices and breakfast cereals, are fortified with Vitamin D – check the labels to see just how much you’re getting.
Not very tasty options, so I'd stick with the Vitamin D supplements instead.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD