It is well known that vitamin D is essential for bone health. However, vitamin D has received more additional scientific interest in recent years than any other nutrient, hormone or drug.  Many age-related disorders such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, colds, flu and viral infections have been linked to low intakes of vitamin D.

During winter months, daylight hours get shorter and colder. Because sunlight is important in the activation of vitamin D, these shorter days lead way to less vitamin D being converted to the active form. Likewise, cold and flu season is during the winter months. Researchers have suggested that low blood levels of vitamin D during winter months is a prime reason for the increase in colds and flu.

Flu viruses cause a massive inflammatory response that attacks the body's immune system.  Researchers have concluded this inflammatory activity is responsible for the major impact of flu viruses on the body. Moreover, vitamin D has been shown to have major anti-inflammatory as well as immune system boosting effects. For example, a research study found that children with the lowest blood vitamin D levels were 11 times more likely to have upper respiratory infections.

There also has been reported an antagonistic effect of high levels (above 10,000 IU per day) for vitamin A on vitamin D. Most multi vitamins/minerals contain both vitamins A and D. This antagonistic effect of vitamin A on vitamin D may be responsible for less than optimal health benefits for studies evaluating multi vitamin/mineral products over the past few years.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin.  As such, it is stored in the fatty tissues of the body. Thus, there is a concern for possible vitamin D toxicity above the Recommended Daily Value.  Based on a review of the available safety data for vitamin D, in adults, up to 8,000 IU vitamin D per day appears safe for daily use.

It is clear based on recent research reports the current Recommended Daily Value is inadequate. Research findings indicate the minimum vitamin D per day for adults should be 2,000 IU. Depending on season of the year, age and possible health conditions, 4,000 to 6,000 IU of vitamin D per day appear to be more appropriate. Supplemental vitamin D should be part of your total wellness program.

 

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