Vitamin D Myths and Truths

Posted: Sun 12 Dec, 2010

Unless you’ve been hiding out in a nuclear bunker you’ve probably already heard that we’re a nation of vitamin D deficient people which is rather ironic when you consider that (despite the recent weather here in Sydney) there is certainly no sunshine deficiency in this part of the world. Vitamin D is hot, hot hot right now and researchers are saying that it prevents cancer (up to a 75% reduction in breast cancer), depression, asthma, bone problems, autoimmune problems, cardiovascular disease – even the flu.

If your vitamin D level on a blood test is below 125 and you plan on increasing it naturally then you need to be aware of the following myths and truths about DIY vitamin from sunshine. If your vitamin D is below 40 then you’ll need to supplement or you can talk to Dr Richard Moore about the new vitamin D injection that’s now available at Levity.

• Vitamin D is made in your skin from cholesterol when it’s exposed to UVB radiation from the sun. Sunscreen and glass filter UVB radiation so you won’t be making any vitamin D sat in the car or in the house. Solarium’s on the other hand are great for stimulating vitamin D production.
• Vitamin D is absorbed slowly from your skin over several hours – so don’t jump straight in the shower after spending time in the sun or you’ll be washing your hard won vitamin D straight down the drain.
• Once absorbed, vitamin D is activated by your liver and kidneys. Liver or kidney problems can impair vitamin D metabolism. Sunbaking with a hangover on New Years Day is not healthy.
• How much sun is enough? It depends on your skin colour. As a general rule, just as your skin begins to turn pink (this is well before it starts to burn).
• Vitamin D deficiency takes months to overcome so be patient.
• Press on your sternum (the bone in the middle of your chest that your ribs connect to), if it feels painful then you should organise to have your vitamin D levels checked ASAP.
• If you’re planning on spending time in the sun it’s important to make sure that you’re getting plenty of food based antioxidants and avoiding refined polyunsaturated vegetable oils and sugar (which all increase your risk of cancer). Astataxin found in Krill oil is a wonderful antioxidant and internal sunscreen found in Krill oil. The supplement Glisodin which increases the antioxidant super oxide dismutase has also been shown to improve skin tolerance to sunshine.
   

About the Author

Sarah Luck uses a combination of food, homoeopathic remedies, specific nutrients and herbal medicine. She has also practiced pregnancy massage for the last 10 years. She is passionate about using food as medicine wherever possible and specialises in PCOS, Fertility and Hormonal Problems (men and wemon). For more information on this article or to make an appointment with Sarah, contact Levity Health (02 9389 0278) or email Sarah directly at sarah@levityhealth.com.au.