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( 6 of 6 found this review helpful ) Posted: Sep 29 2005
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (the others are A, E, and K) that is used by the body in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. The primary function of Vitamin D is to promote the body's absorption of calcium, a mineral which is essential for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. Calcium is also important in other areas of the body. Vitamin D helps maintain adequate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is found in the following foods: any dairy product, such as cheese, butter, cream, or fortified milk ( however, all milk in the U.S. is fortified with vitamin D). Vitamin D is also present in fish, fortified cereals, and margarine. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis (weak porous bones) in adults or rickets (inconsistent bone growth with weak deformed bones) in children. Since our milk supply is fortified with Vitamin D, rickets is extremely rare today. However, with women and men living to advanced ages these days, getting enough Vitamin D is essential to good bone health in seniors. It is not enough to just take calcium supplements, as calcium will not be absorbed without the "help" of Vitamin D!. It seems strange to me that companies that sell calcium do not automatically package it with a dose of Vitamin D for absorption!. Excessive doses of vitamin D can result in increased calcium absorption from the intestinal tract. This may cause increased calcium resorption from the bones, leading to elevated levels of calcium in the blood. Elevated blood calcium may then cause calcium deposition in soft tissues such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs. This can reduce their ability to function. Kidney stones, vomiting, and muscle weakness may also occur due to the ingestion of too much vitamin D. Since excess Vitamin D will be stored in the body's fat reserves, it is important to not overdose taking supplements with large amounts of Vitamin D! The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D (for most people, including children over that age of 6) is 200 International Units (IU). People over the age of 65 are encouraged to take more Vitamin D(400 IU's), and those over 70 can take 600 IU's daily. Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine just three times weekly is adequate to produce the body's requirement of vitamin D. For those sunbathers worried about their sun exposure and Vitamin D levels, getting too much sunshine will NOT cause an overdose of Vitamin D. Jim "Konedog" Koenig, nutrition student
