Vitamin D may be crucial to fending off infection, according to a recent report. But as many as 70 percent of the U.S. population may be D-deficient, says report author Adrian Gombart, a principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
The report highlights vitamin D's role in inducing the expression of cathelicidin, a compound integral to the immune system's first line of defense against wounds, bacteria, and viruses. The report also underscores vitamin's D's role in reducing risk for conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and influenza. Vitamin D appears to curb inflammation, keep blood pressure in check, and protect against heart disease as well.
D deficiency may be particularly prevalent during the winter months, when lack of sunlight exposure slows up the body's synthesis of the vitamin. In order to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D, many health experts recommend taking a daily supplement.
Grassrootshealth.org have a useful chart showing least incidence of chronic illness is found in those who keep their vitamin D3 status above 55ng/ml 137.5nmol/l.
Generally speaking it takes around 1000iu for each 25lbs you weigh to achieve that. Amounts required are generally in the region of 5000~6000iu/daily/D3.
Up to 10,000iu/daily is known to be absolutely safe but it’s sensible to get a 25(OH)D test after 2~3 months to check that is sufficient for your body.
Thanks for the vitamin D tips, so useful to know. I always take 500 mg of VitC over Winter and get as much daylight and sunshine as possible, it really helps spirit too. Otherwise you can also check on http://www.natural-healing-methods.com for additional info too.
You’re absolutely right. The newest research is showing we need 4,000 to 6,000 IU of vitamin D every day for optimal health. There’s a more extensive article at http://healthandwellnessnewsnow.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-vitamin-d.html