02 Jul Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency and what it means.

Source: Mercola, PT on the net, Sydney Morning Herald

Its a real catch 22 situation isn’t it? About 30% of the Australian population has low levels of Vitamin D however with one of the highest cancer rates in the world it is difficult for Australians to absorb the recommended amount without fear of contracting skin cancer.

Recent studies have now also gone on to prove that low levels of Vitamin D can be linked to a number of health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, inflammation and infections. You see it is an essential part of the endocrine system as it controls several of the adrenal hormones, growth of cells, productions of enzymes and other genomic functions.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble Vitamin hat can be found in food, supplements and of course the bet and natural way – the sun! Professor Nowson from Deakin University has said we should be following he lead of other countries such as Canada and start adding more vitamin D to the food supply. Other foods that contain levels of Vitamin D is fatty fish such as salmon, herring mackerel and also eggs.

So how much do we need? Well this is an ongoing debate so I have quoted from a well respected website, mercola.

Age Units per pound per day

Below 5 35 units per

5-10 2500 units

Adults 5000 units

Pregnant women 5000 units

So what does this mean for you? Try and get out in winter between 11 and 2 for 15- 30 minutes of sunlight with both your hands and face exposed. In summer go out between 9 and 11 or 2-4 for similar length of time. There is also a constant debate on sunscreen and how it can also aid in decreasing Vitamin D amounts. However I suggest everything in moderation!