Vitamin D is unusual because the majority of it used by the human body is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) produced by plants and D3 (cholecalciferol) made by animals are equally useful to humans. Good dietary sources are mushrooms, fatty fish oils, eggs, and fortified dairy products. Because modern life has decreased our regular exposure to sunlight, dietary sources of vitamin D have become increasingly important.

Vitamin D is important for healthy bones. It is necessary for calcium absorption in the intestine. It also regulates parathyroid (PTH) hormone, which is involved in bone health. In vitamin D deficiency, calcium absorption is reduced and PTH levels rise, which causes you to draw calcium from bone, which is called bone resorption. Bone resorption can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Recent studies show that nearly 50% of all patients with hip fractures are vitamin D deficient. Given its importance in bone health, it is probable that vitamin D supplements could reduce the number of hip fractures.

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in the US. Studies show that nearly 60% of people over 70 are deficient. Also, the average daily intake in the US is only 30% of the RDA. In addition, of patients admitted to a general medical ward, 57% were found deficient and 22% were severely deficient. Researchers suggest that recommended daily amounts for vitamin D are too low and daily intake of 200 to 800 IU/day could benefit most adults.

Vitamin D seems to play important roles in multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, AIDS, and cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon. Vitamin D deficiency is common is MS patients and supplementation appears to partially relieve symptoms. Further study is underway to better understand this relationship. Researchers find that AIDS patients commonly have hypocalcemia due in part to vitamin D deficiency. Again, more research is ongoing, but supplementation may provide benefits at a very low cost. Vitamin D has shown the ability to reduce growth and proliferation of a variety of cancer cells. By doing so, it can reduce tumor size. In addition, vitamin D has been shown to increase the effects of some chemotherapy agents, to increase the body's defenses against cancer cells, and to have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Although not known how, vitamin D has been shown to arrest prostate cancer.

Taos Pharmacy is your best source for nutritional information especially as it relates to your medical condition and prescription medications. Remember, every Tuesday all vitamins and nutritional products are 10% off.

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