Vitamin D

A friend forwarded this e-mail to me from Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead in Arizona:

Vitamin D is naturally produced in human skin when exposed to sun light. The active form of vitamin D in the body plays an important role in the maintenance of many organ systems. One of the primary things we associate this vitamin with is the mineralization of bones and keeping bones healthy. Vitamin D has other roles in human health, including modulation of neuromuscular and immune function and reduction of inflammation.
Insufficient Vitamin D is linked to virtually all age related disorders, including cancers, heart disease, vascular disease, and inflammatory conditions. There is a direct correlation with increased age and decreased serum levels of vitamin D. If you intend to live an active lifestyle and wish to join the fight in warding off disease then vitamin D should be a part of your arsenal.

Overall Benefits
High levels of Vitamin D report fewer viral infections (such as colds and flu viruses)
Children also demonstrate this resistance to such winter infections, when their serum vitamin D levels are high in comparison to those with low levels.
Scientists believe reduced vitamin D levels in the winter months are a major contributing factor in the increased infectious disease cases during this time. Study after study seems to support that as serum levels of Vitamin D increased the incidence of upper respiratory infections drastically decreased, in both children and adults. Vitamin D down-regulates the production of inflammatory agents in the body that lead to serious complications with flu viruses and aging joints, arteries, and nerves.


Other Natural sources:
Fish liver oils, such as cod liver oil, 1 Tsp (15 ml) provides 1360 IU
Herring, 85 g (3 oz) provides 1383 IU
Catfish, 85 g (3 oz) provides 425 IU
Salmon, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz]) provides 360 IU
Mackerel, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz]), 345 IU
Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 50 g (1.75 oz), 250 IU
Tuna, canned in oil, 85 g (3 oz), 200 IU
Eel, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz), 200 IU
Whole egg provides 20 IU

Testing
A blood test is available through PSS to assess your current levels of the metabolically active form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

For more information go to: www.physicianskinarrowhead.com