75% of women tested by Synergy are vitamin D deficient

Many of you may have heard the buzz regarding vitamin D. Well, it’s probably true! The widespread use of sunscreen to avoid skin cancer has led to an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency, as measured by a blood test. In our practice, at least 75% of the women we test are vitamin D insufficient.

So what’s the big deal?
There are vitamin D receptors on every cell in our body. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recent research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from high blood pressure, some autoimmune diseases, and several cancers including breast, colorectal, prostate and pancreatic.

Women with low vitamin D levels may have a higher risk of osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and even heart attack! Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with muscle weakness and pain in both adults and children. Some research has reported vitamin D deficiencies in patients with low-back pain, and found that supplementation reduces pain in many patients.

OK, you've convinced me. How do I get vitamin D?
Vitamin D can by synthesized by your skin. Fifteen minutes of unprotected sun exposure between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the spring, summer and fall months in Hampton Roads can boost your vitamin D level.

In the winter though, we can’t synthesize vitamin D from our skin if we live north of Atlanta due to the angle of the sun’s rays.

Vitamin D can also be gained orally and is found in foods like vitamin D fortified milk, orange juice and other dairy products. Wild caught salmon, not farm raised, is an excellent source of vitamin D.

There are two forms of vitamin D for oral use – vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is given by prescription and usually taken once a week. Vitamin D3 is available over the counter with the normal recommendation being 1,000 IU/day. Up to 5,000 IU/day can be taken in the case of vitamin D deficiency.

Another interesting fact you may want to remember next flu season comes from a study that showed people who took 2,000 IU/day of vitamin D3 during flu season had a 91% decrease in respiratory infections!

Feel free to ask any questions in this forum or share your stories.

Dr. Rebecca Ryder