Vitamin D Deficiency
March 11, 2009 Written by JP
[Download PDF]
[Font too small?]
A startling report was just presented at the 2009 American Heart Association’s Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention. The implications of that presentation will hopefully have a widespread impact on the future health of teenagers in the USA and worldwide.
Health from the Sun
The report in question was based on a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics. The focus of the investigation was to determine the frequency and consequences of vitamin D deficiency in adolescents residing in the United States. Almost 3,000 boys and girls between the ages of 12 to 19 participated in the study. The group consisted of 49% females and 51% males. In terms of the ethnic breakdown, 65% of the group were classified as “non-Hispanic whites”, 14% were defined as “non-Hispanic blacks” and the remaining 11% were Mexican Americans.
The researchers, based at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, tested blood samples from the young men and women to determine their levels of vitamin D. The “biomarker” they tested for measures the vitamin D content that is derived from food, supplements and sun exposure.
On average, the white volunteers had the highest serum levels of vitamin D (28 ng/mL). But the Mexican American and black participants had significantly lower levels - 21.5 ng/mL and 15.5 ng/mL, respectively. In particular, the black adolescents were generally considered deficient in vitamin D - given the current recommendations of at least 20 ng/nL.
How can this discrepancy be explained? It could be due to higher amounts of melanin found in the skin of darker-complected individuals. Melanin is a pigment in the skin which helps to protect against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This is usually a positive effect. But in parts of the world where sun-exposure isn’t plentiful, melanin may actually interfere with the skins ability to manufacture vitamin D. Other factors such as diet, obesity and limited access to the outdoors may also contribute to this health risk.
These findings are extremely important when we factor in the potential consequences of a lack of this vital nutrient. To that end, the researchers then examined what kinds of risks the youngsters (with vitamin D deficiency) were facing. Here’s what they uncovered:
- Those with low D levels were 2.36 times more likely to suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure).
- That same group was more than 2.5 times more likely to have high blood sugar (a risk factor for diabetes).
- There was a nearly 4 times greater likelihood of “Metabolic Syndrome” among the vitamin D deficient boys and girls.
Metabolic Syndrome (also known as Syndrome X) is a combination of conditions that raise the overall risk of heart disease and stroke. For instance, if someone has type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and poor cholesterol figures, they’d be classified as suffering from Metabolic Syndrome.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Jared P. Reis, observed that, “We showed strong associations between low levels of vitamin D and higher risk of high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome among adolescents, confirming the results of studies among adults”.
The information presented at the American Heart Association conference isn’t the only alarm bell that’s rung recently with regard to vitamin D and our youth. Another 2009 trial, conducted on girls 12 to 14, showed a positive connection between adequate vitamin D and muscle strength. Consequently, those with lower levels of D exhibited weaker physical performance.
Yet another study reported in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism showed increased body fat and decreased height as consequences of vitamin D deficiency.
We’re often made aware of the importance of calcium during the growing stages of our lives. But I think modern science is telling us that we need to keep an eye on vitamin D as well. Not only does it play an integral role in the development of our skeletal system but its reach extends far beyond. We must also pay attention to the unique and different qualities that we all possess. In the case of vitamin D, the darker your complexion, the more at risk you may be for a deficiency. By increasing our awareness of the benefits and risks of various nutrients, we can help ensure the good health of this generation and those to come.
Be well!
JP
Related Posts:
Tags: Metabolic Syndrome, Vitamin D
Posted in Nutritional Supplements
March 12th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Wow, I should get up earlier to get some sunshine. It’s already dark when I got up today.
March 12th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
You don’t necessarily need to get sun exposure every day. Just try and get some on a regular basis. A happy medium may be best.
Be well!
JP
March 13th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
from an MD friend:
That same doc told me I should strive for a level of at least 75.
I read somewhere that blacks’ average level was 15. No wonder they have such poor health. I’ve tried advising them to take C3 but I think it in one ear and out the other.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Oops, I bracketed the doctor’s comment and your site omitted it. Here it is:
“When I developed severe vitamin D deficiency (D3 = 22 nmol/L), I chose to move to Florida and get vitamin D on my bike every day.”
March 13th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Iggy,
I think it’s a wise move, for everyone, to have their vitamin D levels tested.
I believe that Dr. William Davis, a noted cardiologist, recommends D levels of 60 nmol/L and above.
Be well!
JP
March 14th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I take everyday a suplement of 1000 IU of vitamin D3. I avoid totally sun, the enemy of skin!
March 14th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
David,
If it’s possible, I would suggest getting a vitamin D blood test. It’s not always easy to know how well our body absorbs supplements.
Since vitamin D is so important to good health, it may be worth the minimal expense (usually less then $50) to have your levels assessed.
A higher dosage of D *may* be needed if you’re completely avoiding sun exposure. People living in harsh winter environments often require larger dosages to keep their D levels in a healthy range. Your lack of contact with sunlight may put you in a similar circumstance.
Be well!
JP
November 27th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I advise all menopausal women to get checked for Vitamin D levels. There is so much emphasis on mammograms and bone densitometry, but undiagnosed vitamin D deficieny has been linked to MS, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The main disease process it can cause are osteomalacia (soft bones)which is just as bad as osteoporosis, it affects your strenth and stamina, fibromyalgia, and affects your teeth (more cavities), and now there is a lot research about a link of Vitamin D deficiency and depression.
My Family doctor decided to check my Vitamin D. I was surprised at first. She was checking me for choleterol and synthroid which I have to have checked every year. I got a call from her a week later telling me that my vitamin D levels were so low, that she had to put me on a prescription-type Vitamin D med. OTC supplements were not enough. This treatment will last for 8 weeks and then I have to check my levels again. I am very grateful to her, because most doctors don’t think of checking for Vitamin D levels. That might explain why I am always tired. I did have a partial gastrectomy 5 years ago, so for me, that might be the reason my levels were so, so low. Heads up ladies, and have your vitamin D levels checked. Mary
November 27th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Thanks for sharing that, Mary!
I’m very happy to know that you’re receiving top notch medical care!
Be well!
JP
December 19th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I had heard about vit D mushrooms but not until today did I find them in the grocery store. They are Monterey Mushrooms and are actually a little cheaper than the other packaged sliced brand.
Sun treated mushrooms contain D2, not D3, so I won’t rely on them for my sole source of vitamin D.
December 19th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Mary, I applaud your doc for checking your vit D blood level but I disagree that OTC vit D supplements are less effective to prescription vit D (D2). There’s almost universal agreement that OTC vitamin D3 is superior to prescription vitamin D2.
December 19th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I agree with you on both counts, Iggy.
I’ve never tried that brand of mushrooms but we did recently have some delicious stuffed mushrooms. They were filled with fresh herbs and spicy Italian sausage. Delicious!
Vitamin D-wise, it’s sunny about about 70 degrees around these parts. But I still supplement with plenty of D too.
Be well!
JP