A lot more attention is being put on Vitamin D these days, particularly by doctors. This is because deficiencies of it are very common and it is a much more important nutrient than has previously been given credit for.

Vitamin D is produced by the body in response to skin exposure to the sun. It is also found in reasonable quantities in some fish, fish liver oils, and eggs. It is also frequently added to grains, cereals and dairy products in insignificant quantities.

Doctors mainly recommend Vitamin D to help with healthy bones and prevention of osteoporosis, however there are deficiency links to cognitive impairment in adults, severe asthma in children, high blood pressure, Multiple Sclerosis, achy bones, ADHD, Cancer, Diabetes, and more.

It’s generally accepted that people prone to Vitamin D deficiency are those who have digestive problems, such as Crohn’s, obesity, kidney disease, dark skin, poor exposure to sunlight, and poor diet.

It’s estimated that 90% of senior citizens and 70% of children between 6 and 11 are vitamin D deficient. Statistics for the rest of the population also shows significant deficiencies.

Vitamin D has been shown to fight infections and help prevent colds and flus. It is useful in relation to high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. One study showed that vitamin D deficiency increased the chance of a heart attack by 50%.

Vitamin D3 is the form that should be taken, it is best taken with Vitamin K2 (MK-7) as this helps balance the absorption of the D3 and these two vitamins also help with the magnesium/calcium balance and usage in the body.

On this site, I aim is to provide well-researched information, in order to empower readers to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing. In both alternative and allopathic medicine new discoveries are being made and there are vast choices available to people, something to be mindful of. Nicholas Dale, Naturopath is not seeking to impose his views on readers, but rather encourage them to seek out any professional help they may need (in whatever form that may take) and discover what is best for them.

Information on this site should not be taken as medical guidance or advice. Readers should always consult personally with their healthcare provider. Information published on this site is not intended to act as a substitute for advice of medical professionals, and should not be taken as such.

Vitamin D is important for DNA repair and metabolism, and has been shown to be important in conditions like Multiple Sclerosis.

One study showed three quarters of people with Cancer were Vitamin D deficient. Research in the laboratory suggests that vitamin D has anti-tumour properties, regulating genes involved in the multiplication and spread of cancer cells.

A study in Japan showed children who took high doses of Vitamin D per day had a 40% less chance of getting influenza – the same as the flu vaccine.

Dr Michael F Holick, PhD, MD, a leading vitamin D proponent, is an Endocrinologist at Boston Medical Center and professor at Boston University School of Medicine. In an interview he summed it up quite succinctly, “There is an avalanche of studies reporting the association with vitamin D deficiency and increased risk for chronic illnesses including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and neurocognitive dysfunction.

Most people I see who are already taking Vitamin D are on 1000iu per day. Depending on your requirements up to 8,000iu can sometimes be needed, so contact me if you have any questions about this.