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Vitamin D Still Lacking in Many North Americans
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Posted on: 09/13/2007
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The growing incidence of vitamin D deficiency is concerning doctors because of the wide range of disorders that can result. Vitamin D can be absorbed from sunlight where it is converted through the skin or absorbed through eating vitamin D-rich foods, where it is converted through the kidneys.
A review regarding the vitamin deficiency was done in 2004 and, since then, more information had come to light about the lack of vitamin D among North Americans, as well as people in the rest of the world. A recent study in the United States investigated pregnant women's intake of vitamin D. The researchers found that even among women who did take in the recommended dietary amounts, their blood tests showed a deficiency. This happened in 29 percent of African-American mothers, 5 percent of white mothers, 46 percent of African-American newborns, and 10 percent of white newborns.
What is also interesting is the lack of vitamin D doesn't appear to only cause immediate problems, but may cause longer-ranging ones. A study from Finland found women who had received vitamin D supplements when they, themselves, were infants, had a 50 percent lower risk of developing preeclampsia during their own pregnancies than did women who did not receive similar supplements.
Vitamin D deficiency in the elderly is also up. This can be due to their inability to absorb all the nutrients from their food, lesser frequency of sun exposure, and other illnesses. One study found that vitamin D deficiency could be a predictor of a senior's need for nursing home care.
The most commonly known effect of vitamin D deficiency is the effect on the bones and muscles. Children who are chronically deprived of vitamin D will not develop strong bone mass and adults will see their bones get softer and weaken. There can also be muscle pain and weakness.
Another study done in the US among post-menopausal women who had broken a hip this time, found that 50 percent had an extreme vitamin D deficiency. In another similar study, 96 percent didn't have enough vitamin D. There is, however, some debate as to whether adding vitamin D and calcium supplementation for post-menopausal women would decrease the incidence of fractures.
Vitamin D deficiency also affects other parts of the body, as well. It appears to add to the risk of developing arthritis and there may be a connection between the deficiency and colon cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, as well as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
The authors of this study point out that the contemporary diet in North America does not usually meet the daily requirements for the vitamin, and that recommended supplements are only enough to prevent rickets. They would like to see higher dose recommendations, particularly for those who do not get enough or any sunlight. Currently, the most economical and safe recommendation for vitamin D supplementation is 1000 IU (international units) of vitamin D3 alone, a multivitamin with 400 IU of vitamin D3, or a calcium/vitamin D combination of 600 mg calcium and 200 IU vitamin D.
It is also important not to forget the availability of vitamin D from the sun. There is controversy about the sun's benefits versus risks, however. A recent report stated that there is no guarantee that the sun provided enough of the vitamin for good health.
The authors conclude that orthopedic surgeons are best suited to help patients learn about the importance of vitamin D and bone health.
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References:
Julie Glowacki. Vitamin D inadequacy in 2007: what it is and how to manage it. In Current Opinion in Orthopaedics. September 2007. vol. 18. No. 5. Pp. 480-485.
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