Late-Breaking Research: Most People Are Not Getting Enough Vitamin D

Alarming new research reveals that not only is vitamin D deficiency related to a plethora of chronic conditions, but it may also be far more widespread than previously thought. Dr. Rob wants patients to know about these new findings, which may be crucial to their health.

Triggers Vast Array of Diseases

Most people know that vitamin D wards off bone diseases like rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. However, Dr. Rob is concerned that many individuals remain unaware that this nutrient is fundamental to preventing a myriad of other chronic conditions.

Specifically, recent research links vitamin D deficiency with cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, poor immune function and cognitive problems such as dementia. It is also associated with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Other recent investigations tie vitamin D deficiency to colds  and  flu:  “The findings of our study support an important role for vitamin D in prevention of common respiratory infections, such as colds and the flu,” says lead author Adit Ginde, MD, MPH.

“Individuals with common lung diseases, such as asthma or emphysema, may be particularly susceptible to respiratory infections from vitamin D deficiency.”   (Arch  Intern  Med  2009;169:384-90.)

Another analysis evaluated 3,000 people with type 1 diabetes and found a decreased risk in disease severity for people who took vitamin D supplements. Observational studies also reveal that supplementation may prevent type  2 diabetes (Circulation 2008;118:1476-85).

In the experiment, researchers detected elevated concentrations of serum TNF-á (a blood marker of inflammation) in apparently healthy women with insufficient vitamin D levels (J of Inflammation 2008;5:10).

“The findings reveal that low vitamin D levels negatively impact inflammation and immune response, even in healthy women,” says study author Catherine Peterson. “Increased inflammation normally is found in people with obesity or chronic diseases; a small  decrease  in  vitamin  D  levels may aggravate symptoms in people who  are  sick.”  (J  of  Inflammation  2008;5:10.)